Childline says 45,000 calls will go unanswered next year, as it is forced to stop its night service.
The charity has issued an emergency public appeal for €1.2m euro in funding to keep the 24 hour service operational.
- 44% of calls answered by Childline related to Personal life
- 14% of calls related to Abuse and Welfare
- 11% of calls related to Sexuality
- 7.5% of calls related to Mental Health
- 6% of calls related to Relationships
- 17.5% of calls were requests for information
Commenting on the figures ISPCC interim CEO Caroline O’Sullivan said; “We have issued an emergency funding appeal as, for many children, Childline is the only support option available to them. The loss of the night service will have a huge impact on children in real need. If Childline cannot continue to provide a 24 hour service some children will be forced into silence. Only the generosity of the Irish public to our appeal can stop this from happening now.”
‘‘My greatest concern is for the many children who are in abusive situations that account for 14% of our calls. These children really need us on a 24/7 basis and thousands of these children will not be heard next year if we cannot raise the funds to keep the night service open. Childline is, and wants to remain, a service that gives children and young people a voice.”
Donations can be made online at www.savechildline24.ie or a €4 text donation can be made by texting CHILDLINE to 57911. Texts cost €4. A minimum of €3.20 will go directly to Childline.
