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.