9 July 2023
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
The Childline listening service is now recruiting volunteers for its office in Cork, which is dedicated to helping Ireland’s children.
The service provided by ISPCC is always available to any child and young person across Ireland who would like to talk about any topic on their mind.
Childline’s 24/7 listening service is free and confidential and can be reached online or by phone.
Volunteers with the service come from all walks of life and are united by one common purpose: to help ensure no child or young person in Ireland has to face their challenges alone.
An excellent team spirit and sense of support prevails at Childline units throughout the country. Volunteers receive full training in advance of answering their first contact and ongoing support and upskilling thereafter.
Childline regional supervisor Mary Nolan Durkan says: “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.”
One of our volunteers Dee says that she never expected to get so much back from volunteering in her own life. “I have learned so many new skills and made friends from all walks of life. We are all united with a common purpose: to make sure every child has somewhere they can turn.”
Another volunteer Liz says that although she was initially nervous at the thought of becoming a volunteer with Childline, she is delighted that she did it. “People always think that you’re dealing with the most neglected children of society but this is not necessarily the truth, so many children just need to talk. It tugs at my heartstrings that so many children need Childline.”
If you would like more information on becoming a Childline volunteer at our unit in Cork and helping the service to listen to children and young people, please contact volunteerrecruitment@ispcc.ie