Childline is recruiting volunteers in Mayo
COULD you help Childline listen to children?
Childline, Ireland’s national listening service for children and young people, is now recruiting for volunteers in Mayo.
Information sessions for anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering with the service will take place at Childline, Unit 14C, N5 Business Park, Moneen Road, Castlebar, on Wednesday, March 20, and Friday, March 29, beginning at 6.30 p.m. both evenings.
Each year, Childline answers over 360,000 contacts on average from children and young people who call, chat online, or text the service. Children contact Childline for a wide variety of reasons - they may feel lonely, anxious, scared or upset, or may simply wish to chat about their day.
Childline offers a 24-hour free, confidential and non-judgmental listening service to every child and young person up to the age of 18 in Ireland.
Childline is staffed by a team of volunteers and staff members who train and supervise volunteers to ensure a consistent and high quality service. Volunteers do not require any prior experience or qualifications. They complete comprehensive training before answering their first contact and receive ongoing support and upskilling for the duration of their time as a volunteer.
An excellent team atmosphere and spirit of camaraderie and peer support prevails at each Childline office throughout the country. Childline volunteers complete weekly four-hour shifts and facilitate Childline’s 24-hour phone line, live text and webchat services. References are available to volunteers upon completion of commitment.
Interim Childline regional supervisor, Mary Nolan Durkan, said: “Childline volunteers play a vital role in helping to ensure there is always someone there to listen, support and empower children and young people in Ireland when they seek a listening ear. The Childline training course is a comprehensive course which equips volunteers with the skills to deliver a quality service to children.”
Childline volunteer Lorraine said: “There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing you have helped a child. Without Childline, these children may not have anyone to listen to them, but Childline is always there.”
If you would like more information on becoming a Childline volunteer and helping the service to listen to children and young people across Ireland, see https://www.ispcc.ie/volunteer-childline, email Mary.NolanDurkan@ispcc.ie or call (094) 9025254.