Charity

Appeal for volunteers to join vital children’s counselling service

Published

6 months ago

May 30, 2024

AN APPEAL has been issued for volunteers to join NSPCC Cymru’s Childline base in Cardiff to help support the service’s vital work.

NSPCC Cymru is making the call during Volunteers’ Week, which runs from June 3-9, in the hope that more people will sign up to the children’s counselling service, which is available online and on the phone, anytime for children and young people up to 19-years-old to seek advice and support.

Childline can be life-changing for children, giving them a chance to speak out safely about whatever might be happening to them or worrying them.

The NSPCC is looking for more people of all ages, and from all walks of life to become volunteers and provides comprehensive training backed up by a supportive team of volunteers and supervisors.

Among the Cardiff Childline volunteer counsellors are Afiah Radzi and Chey Gerrard.

Afiah, from Cardiff, started as a volunteer counsellor in March.

She said: “I decided to volunteer because I wanted to make a positive difference in children’s lives and provide support to those in need.

“The rewards of volunteering at Childline include the satisfaction and fulfilment of knowing someone in crisis has had opportunity to express their thoughts and emotions in a safe space, personal growth and self-development, acquiring new knowledge and soft skills, as well as the opportunity to be part of an extremely friendly and supportive team.”

Chey, also from Cardiff, started volunteering in July 2021.

She said: “Counselling was something completely new to me, and I had no idea what to expect.

“What I found was Childline offers a comprehensive training programme for volunteer counsellors that includes theory and practice, and live observation and mentored shifts.

“I found this really helped me understand what it meant to be a Childline counsellor, and afforded me the opportunity to witness the incredible support available to counsellors on shift – you’re not just thrown into the deep end, there is support every step of the way.

“I’ve developed several skills that have helped me in both my personal and professional life. I’ve learned how to remain calm under pressure, how to effectively communicate with a range of people from different backgrounds, and the value of allowing someone to feel heard.”

Louise Israel, Childline Team Manager at the base in Cardiff, urged anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch.

She said: “As we recognise the dedication of volunteers who give up their time to help others, we would also like to appeal to anyone else who may be interested in volunteering.

“Our volunteers tell me that they get so much out of volunteering, especially the sense that they have really made a difference to the lives of those they speak with. They also say how much they value the support they receive and the opportunities for ongoing learning and development.

“Childline relies heavily on the dedication of volunteers, so I would really encourage anyone who is interested in making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people to join us.”

For more information about volunteering visit nspcc.org.uk/volunteer

Children and young people can contact Childline for free on 0800 1111 or by visiting childline.org.uk.

Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC Helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, email [email protected] or visit www.nspcc.org.uk for advice.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

13 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Charity

Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir

Published

21 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.

The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.

Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”

The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.

Charity

NHS staff take on Parkrun for charity

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2024

Richard Lewis

STAFF from the Frailty Unit at Withybush Hospital took part in the Haverfordwest Parkrun and raised a fantastic £1,478 for the unit.

The staff took part in the 5k Parkrun in August at the Haverfordwest cricket club, whilst others volunteered, sold refreshments and held a raffle.

Lisa Marshall, Senior Sister, said: “I am so proud of Estelle and the team for organising a successful fundraiser and helping to raise money for our unit.

“It was a great team building day and we all had lots of fun. We are as always grateful for the support and donations we receive, and we look forward to our next fundraiser!”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you and well done to Estelle, Lisa and the Frailty Unit team for completing their Parkrun fundraiser.

“Thank you so much for dedicating your time to once again raising funds for your amazing unit.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to the Hywel Dda Charities website.