Childline is anticipating thousands of children and young people reaching out to them for help and support across the upcoming festive period, with the service open around the clock throughout the holidays in London and across the UK.
Over the 12 Days of Christmas last year (24th December 2023 to 4th January 2024) Childline delivered almost 5,500 counselling sessions to children living across the UK, averaging out at more than 450 a day.
As throughout the rest of the year, problems with mental health and wellbeing is the main reason why children and young people contact Childline.
However, there are also recurring issues and worries arising that are more specific to the festive season including:
Young people reflecting on the prospect of Christmas without a loved one,
Being worried about family conflict and adults consuming alcohol,
Feeling pressure to eat more than normal,
Concerns about family money worries,
Feelings of guilt or jealousy about the presents they receive.
One boy aged 15 told Childline: “Christmas can be a tough time for me as there’s a lot of pressure to be ‘okay’, even though inside I know I’m not. And New Year’s is just as difficult. Many people see NYE as a new beginning, but to me it’s the start of surviving another 365 days, and knowing that most of those days will probably be spent with me feeling down about something. It’s the most draining thing ever!”
Another 18-year-old girl said to a counsellor: “I can’t deal with my dad when he’s drinking. He promised me 2023 would be the year he’d quit but it was all lies. He drank a whole pack of beers on Christmas day and was blind drunk. I feel so alone – it’s like I don’t exist to him anymore”
Childline bases across the UK, including in London, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff, will be in operation throughout the Christmas period, filled with both full-time staff and volunteers.
Alex Bennett, who volunteers at the London Childline base, said: “The festive season isn’t great for everyone. Some young people find it really difficult to cope and it’s made worse by everyone else being so happy. For some children, it’s the most challenging part of the year. Childline is available throughout the festive season to support young people. No problem is too big or too small.”
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “As always Childline will be here to help the thousands of children and young people across the UK who we expect to contact us by phone and online over the festive period.
“Some concerns will be what we deal with throughout the year, while others are likely to be more specific to Christmas, such as adults drinking too much, family friction and financial pressures.
“Whatever the issue or concern is, we are reminding all children and young people that our trained counsellors will be here to listen and support them on every day of the 12 Days of Christmas and onwards into 2025.”
This Christmas, a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds on average. Help the charity to make sure Childline is ready for every question this festive season by visiting the NSPCC website. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call this Christmas.
The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk
