Charities join forces for Christmas

Published Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Comments
Toggle font size
Print

The charities Lifeline, Samaritans and ChildLine are expecting to deal with up to 8,000 calls for help over the Christmas period.

All three services will be staffed over the holiday period and are keen to stress that a listening ear will be ready for those of all ages who find the festive season a difficult time in Northern Ireland.

"Christmas is a very happy time but, for some of us, it can be a time of loneliness and isolation," the director of Samaritans Ireland, Suzanne Costello, said.

Lifeline can be contacted on 0808 808 8000; Samaritans on 08457 909090; ChildLine on 0800 1111.

Helpline numbers

"It's important to remember that Samaritans support is available throughout the Christmas and New Year for anyone who may be struggling to cope."

Clinical director of Lifeline, Fergus Cumiskey, added: "A call to Lifeline can lead to immediate assessment and support over the entire Christmas period.

"You will speak directly to our qualified crisis counsellors and can receive up to six free, face-to-face counselling sessions, close to home, within seven days."

Elaine Chalmers from ChildLine said: "The NSPCC's ChildLine service relies heavily on our dedicated volunteers, who so willingly give up part of their Christmas break to answer calls from children in need of help.

EXTERNAL LINKS / CONTACTS
"Every year, ChildLine helps thousands of children and young people to overcome a wide range of problems - including bullying, abuse and family relationship worries."
© UTV News
Comments Comments
0 Comments
No comments. Be the first to comment.
POST A COMMENT:
Name:  
Email address*:    
Location:  
Validation:
House Rules:  
Your Comment:  
[All comments are moderated and will not appear immediately. Your name, location and comment will be displayed on this page if your post passes moderation.]
CIARA PRIESTLY
After writing a series of blogs telling my story about my battle with cancer I now feel very compelled to write about my friend's battle. This story will no doubt shock you to the core.
MOST POPULAR GALLERIES