Volunteering at Childline and doing a shift for the first time on Christmas eve, Adam (36) from Springburn, Glasgow, cherishes the opportunity to be there for children, providing a trusted person to talk to.
Recognising that Christmas can be difficult and home unsafe for some children, Childline volunteer Adam will support them this festive period.
Childline, an NSPCC run service, delivered almost 5,500 counselling sessions over the 12 Days of Christmas[1] last year, averaging more than 450 a day. To manage this service, the NSPCC relies on the compassion and generosity of its volunteers. Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern.
Adam explains that the thought of a call or email going unanswered inspired him to volunteer over the Christmas period.
He said: “I previously worked with children when I was a classroom assistant, and I saw first-hand just how complicated children’s lives can be.
“Not everyone has a trusted person to talk to and someone needs to be there for them to listen, without judgement, and I feel privileged to be able to do that at Childline.
“It’s nice to know that you can be there for a child who just needs someone to listen to them. You feel you’ve made a positive difference in at least one child’s life, often more.
“There’s not much else I could do in an evening after work that would be as worthwhile.”
Adam says it’s crucial to have volunteers at Childline during the festive period and there’s fantastic support available to them from staff and other volunteers.
He said: “Last January, I recall a particularly challenging contact from a child who was upset as they had to spend time with extended family on Boxing Day including having a meal with a relative who’d sexually abused them.
“These contacts can be difficult, but they highlight the need for Childline and reminds you that you’ve got a job to do, to support the young person.
“When you talk to a child you are thinking – how can I help them to feel comfortable to open up about what’s happened to them? You also want to make sure that they don’t feel judged. I ask myself do they just need to talk or are they in need of support to come up with a course of action or solution? How are they going to start that conversation with their mum, teacher or friend?”
Adam added: “There is plenty of training and support available at the Childline base in Glasgow, including supervisor assistance before, during, and after shifts, making sure we are well-prepared to manage difficult contacts.
“As this will be my first Christmas shift, I am a bit nervous about contact from children that may ask me why Santa didn’t come? Although, I am reassured that I have my supervisor and other volunteers to support me on how to handle these kinds of concerns.”
Adam talked about how he deals with his worries in general and if he has a difficult shift on Childline.
He explains: “I like to spend time outside and enjoy hill walking and this helps with decompressing after a difficult shift or even anything else that may be going on in my own life. It’s a good way to clear my head.”
Since his volunteering journey began in January 2024, Adam has gained valuable insights to the hardship endured by children and during Christmas time.
Adam said: “Unfortunately, Christmas isn’t a positive experience for all children, as some face difficult family situations, or homelessness. The contrast between children who receive many gifts and those who receive almost nothing is stark during the holiday season.”
However, the incredible resilience of children, who often thank volunteers despite their own struggles, stands out to Adam.
He said: “The children’s strength of character shines through during the calls. Despite their difficulties, they thank you, wish you a good weekend, or chat excitedly about positive aspects of their lives. For example, when asked if they’ll do something nice as a distraction, they might say they’re going to cuddle their cat. It’s heartening to see them as whole individuals, not just their issues.”
Sometimes, Adam is the first person a child talks to about issues like friendship problems.
He explains: “It’s such a privilege to help children and young people take the next step, such as speaking to their parents about what’s worrying them. Many young people say they feel much better after speaking with Childline, and it’s so heartwarming to see the positive impact of the support.
“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.”
Adam wants to encourage other people to volunteer with Childline.
He said: “You can sign up for a volunteer information meeting through the Childline website. These provide valuable information without any obligation to commit. If you do decide to be a Childline volunteer, you won’t regret it.
“Christmas is not always a happy time for everyone. It’s a stressful and challenging period for many children, and we all should be aware of this. Volunteering or donating to the NSPCC can make a significant difference for children in need during the holiday season.
“Behind the festive facade, some children are dealing with grief, the absence of family members, or the complexities of family dynamics. The true meaning of Christmas is compassion, generosity and community. To provide a listening ear for children during Christmastime is a wonderful gift to give.”
Childline Glasgow currently has vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors.
To find out more about volunteering at Childline visit:
https://join-us.nspcc.org.uk/volunteers/volunteers/childline/
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
Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.