- Last year, the NSPCC-service delivered almost 5,500 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK over the 12 Days of Christmas, averaging more than 450 a day.
- Recurring festive worries for young people include bereavement, family relationship issues and adults drinking too much.
- Childline remains open for children and young people throughout December, including Christmas Day, for any questions, concerns or worries they may have.
The NSPCC’s Childline service is anticipating thousands of children and young people reaching out to them for help and support across the upcoming festive period, with counsellors available around the clock throughout the holidays.
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/coping with an eating disorder
- Concerns about family money worries
- Feelings of guilt or jealousy about the presents they receive
One girl from Scotland aged 18 told Childline: “I’m feeling very on edge right now as all the family is home for Christmas. They’re all in a room laughing and drinking, but any time I try to say anything they just talk right over me, like I don’t exist.
“I’m now in my room alone, so I thought I’d come on here for a chat.”
Another girl from Scotland aged 15 told Childline: “I feel like a failure whenever I eat something cos my brain tells me that not eating is the only thing I’m good at – and in a way it’s true.
“I’m worried about Christmas tomorrow as there is obviously going to be lots of food and my parents don’t know that I’ve been struggling a lot with it. I don’t know what to do.”
Childline bases across the UK, including in London, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Cardiff, will be in operation throughout the Christmas period, filled with both full-time staff and volunteers.
Adeniyi Alade, Service Head of Childline and based at the Aberdeen base, said: “Childline will be there, as always, to help the thousands of children who contact us by phone and online over the festive period.
“We know Christmas can be a difficult time for some children and young people when they are spending more time at home.
“This time of year, can cause added stress to family life such as financial worries, arguments, and adults drinking a lot of alcohol.
“Whatever they may be worried about we’d like to reassure children and young people that our trained counsellors will be there to listen and support them on every day of the 12 Days of Christmas and into the New Year.”
Adam Perry (36) from Glasgow has been a volunteer at the city’s Childline base since January this year.
He’s doing a shift on Christmas Eve for the first time and said: “Children have got all sorts of things going on in their lives, and often they are trying to cope with so much that’s happening to them.
“Someone needs to be there for them to listen, without judgement, and I feel privileged to be able to do that.
“At the end of every shift at Childline you feel like you’ve made a positive difference for at least one child, often more. To be honest there’s not much else I could do in an evening after work that would be as worthwhile.
“While I know it will be tough, I’m happy to volunteer this Christmas Eve. During the festive period, children have less support from their usual networks, such as school and friends, so I’m looking forward to being there to listen to them.”
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
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