Volunteers sought for Childline’s Cork office

Childline is looking for volunteers in its Cork office, to listen to any child who needs to talk.

Cork Childline volunteer Deirdre says that she gets a sense of pride and purpose from her work with the 24/7 listening service, saying: “The whole ethos and advocacy for children and young people that Childline stands for resonated with my core beliefs and passion that I feel like I’m doing something important, worthwhile and having an impact.”

For Sarah, volunteering with Childline has changed her life in ways she could never have envisioned. Her aim when she started volunteering “was to empower at least one child on my shift, but the reason why I stay is because of the other volunteers. I’ve made friends for life, we really support each other.”

In these uncertain days, when the challenges and drawbacks of AI are becoming increasingly clear, the need for real human connection is essential and that is exactly what Childline provides for the children and young people who need its services.

Deirdre says that she is inspired and motivated by the young people contacting Childline.

“They show great strength and courage, in the face of adversity. Me giving just a fraction of my time appears easy in comparison. I have grown as a person each and every week I have volunteered here because I feel valued and that I am doing some good in the world.”

The Childline listening service is now recruiting volunteers for its office in Cork. Its 24/7 listening service is free and confidential and can be reached online or by phone.

Volunteers receive full training in advance of answering their first contact and ongoing support and upskilling thereafter. The first training session of 2026 starts in February.

Regina O’Sullivan, Cork regional Childline manager, told The Echo that they were looking for volunteers for a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday: “If you have four hours once a week to spare and want to make a real difference to children and young people, we’d love to hear from you. Training starts on Sunday, February 8, in Penrose Wharf. No prior experience is needed as full training is provided. You can contact Regina, Cork Childline Unit Manager, for details at volunteerrecruitment@ispcc.ie.”

If you would like more information on becoming a Childline volunteer at the unit in Cork and helping the service to listen to children and young people, please go to  https://www.ispcc.ie/volunteer-with-childline/.