'Young people today are a bit better at reaching out': Demand for Childline services grows

Childline by ISPCC has seen a dramatic rise in demand for its services, with its Cork volunteers particularly busy this time of year.

Aoife Griffin, the regional services manager at ISPCC south, told The Echo that Cork “is one of the only phone units left”.

“Cork, Drogheda, and Dublin answer calls, then the rest of the offices are digital messaging only,” she said.

“We’re busy all year round, but different times of year are busier than others. This is a time when children might have oral exams, mocks, heading into exams — it can be a very stressful time.

“Also around the Easter holidays when kids are off school and don’t have a structure, there may be excessive alcohol or fighting at home, and the kids can be at a loose end without school and activities after school.

“We certainly see an increase in calls, similar to during the Christmas and summer holidays.”

The organisation has been running campaigns to promote Childline and let young people know it is there for them, which also leads to an upswing in calls, she said, adding that this was welcome.

“Young people today are a bit better at reaching out than generations before.

“The top issues on calls are around relationships — family, friendships. We also had people raise concerns about physical abuse recently, someone might call if they are walking home from a concert and feel unsafe, if they see something online that they’re upset about, or if they’re worried about a friend.

“We get the serious calls, but also the everyday chats. At the moment, teenagers are worried about mock exams, orals, and some are finished school forever at the end of next month which can be very scary, and sometimes people ring just to chat.”

Childline by ISPCC is calling on families, creches, schools, clubs, and workplaces throughout the country to take part in Childline Breakfast 2025, in May, by hosting a breakfast event to raise money so that it can continue to provide its services.

The Childline Breakfast initiative is supported by McCambridge Bread. Those who sign up to host a breakfast will receive an ISPCC breakfast pack, and a fresh delivery of McCambridge Bread will be provided if they are part of a school, club, creche, or business.

They will also receive a digital pack that includes conversation starter cards designed by in-house therapeutic experts at Childline that will encourage check-ins with children and young people.

• For more, see www.ispcc.ie.