Castlebar public helps keep Childline service going strong
Dedicated ISPCC Childline volunteers, the wider community of Castlebar and family members and friends across Ireland and around the world will be a part of every online contact, call and text the Childline listening service answers from children and young people in 2021 and beyond thanks to the success of their recent St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser.
The national Childline listening service, as delivered by the ISPCC, would like to thank everyone who was involved over the last number of weeks as they walked, ran and cycled as part of the Virtual Parade Around Ireland – which was completed on Wednesday, March 17, and helped to raise over €5,000 in donations for the service.
Children and young people have needed Childline more than ever in the past year as restrictions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic have brought significant challenges to children’s lives. The service continues to receive up to 800 online contacts, calls and texts every day and night from children and young people in Mayo and across Ireland.
ISPCC Childline director of fundraiser, Sarah Joyce, said: “On behalf of all those who Childline supports, we would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who got involved in any way with the fantastic fundraiser which finished on St. Patrick’s Day.
“The fundraiser was brought to life through the amazing efforts of our wonderful volunteers, staff members, family and friends of our Castlebar unit.
“Our volunteers have given their time every week across the past year to help make sure our service is always for every child and young person who seeks support. They are there to listen to children, to believe them, support them, empower them and work to strengthen their resilience.
“Contacting Childline can make a significant difference for a child, and the generosity of the people of Castlebar and their friends, family members and all of those who took part in or donated to the St. Patrick’s Day Virtual Parade Around Ireland fundraiser will help to make sure no child or young person in Mayo or across Ireland has to face their challenges alone this year. For this we are extremely grateful.”
Any individual who would like to support Childline can do so at any time by visiting www.ISPCC.ie/donate-now. Childline is always there to listen to any child or young person aged up and including 18 in Ireland. Children and young people can reach the service at any time at Childline.ie, on 1800 66 66 66, or by text to 50101.