A Scots Childlinevolunteer has said it is a “privilege” to be able to help young people in need on Christmas Eve.
Adam Perry, from Springburn in Glasgow, was previously a classroom assistant but now he works as a housekeeper at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and fits in volunteering as a counsellor for Childline once a week. The 36-year-old explains that the thought of a call or email from a child 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.
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.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
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/
The Childline service is available 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 [email protected].
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