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Thousands of young people turn to Childline for gender and sexuality support

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THOUSANDS of children and young people across the UK continue to turn to Childline with queries and concerns about gender and sexuality.

Over the past 12 months the NSPCC service delivered 2,419 counselling sessions related to these issues. Where gender was known, 62% of these counselling sessions was with young people who identified as trans or non-binary.

The charity has released this data to mark Pride Month and to remind all children and young people that Childline offers free, impartial and non-judgemental support to everyone, no matter the topic.

The top five concerns discussed around sexuality and gender identity were:

  • Coming out
  • Questioning sexuality/gender identity
  • Gender dysphoria (where young people feel there is a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity)
  • Bullying based on gender or sexuality
  • Discrimination and/or prejudice

Young people also contacted the service to talk about homophobia and transphobia they felt they had experienced or witnessed, either first-hand, online or through the media. Concerns are also being discussed that include waiting lists for services, such as gender identity services.

This Pride Month, the NSPCC is letting all young people know that Childline is there for them. The charity will be at Pride events up and down the country, which will be sponsored by Lidl GB, to show their support.

Thousands of people joined the Pride Cymru parade in Cardiff on Saturday in Wales’ biggest celebration of equality and diversity.

And last week, NSPCC Cymru staff joined hundreds to show their support at Cowbridge Pride where H from Steps led the celebrations.

Through their Talk Relationships service, the NSPCC is also supporting secondary school teachers to feel more confident when delivering sessions around healthy relationships and leading inclusive discussions.

Childline is encouraging adults to be understanding and respectful when young people are exploring their sexuality and gender identity, as well as being there for any young person who wishes to discuss these topics. Childline is also a safe space for young people to explore this subject and there are resources available online for both children and parents.

Many young people will approach Childline to speak to a trained counsellor if they are finding it difficult to reach out to a trusted friend or adult to discuss these topics.

One young person, aged 15, told Childline: “I’m struggling to let my parents know I’m gay. I’ve told my sister, and that went well, but I know my parents will be dismissive and just say I’m too young to know for sure. I don’t want them to change everything about how they see me because of my identity, but at the same time I want them to accept and love me for who I really am.”

Concerns around bullying due to gender and sexuality issues are also being addressed by counsellors – Childline provided over 330 counselling sessions in the past year where young people mentioned this type of bullying.

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “Young people may worry about judgement or a lack of acceptance when expressing their thoughts and concerns around sexuality and gender identity.

“That is why it’s crucial that there are confidential and non-judgemental spaces such as Childline where children can share freely and feel supported. This Pride Month, the service remains as committed as ever to helping young people with these concerns.”

Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.

Children can also visit the website to find more advice on any concerns or questions they may have on gender identity and sexuality. There is the service’s moderated message boards to get support from their peers.

For parents and carers, the NSPCC also has information on its website on how to talk to children about their sexuality and advice on how to help keep them safe.

For the second year, Lidl GB is sponsoring the NSPCC’s presence at Pride events in Great Britain, helping the charity to demonstrate that it is there for all children and young people. Lidl GB’s funding covers the cost of the NSPCC’s entry to Pride events as well as the NSPCC and Childline Pride t-shirts and banners to ensure there is a powerful presence at each event. Lidl GB has been partnered with the NSPCC for over 7 years and is currently supporting young people with their mental health by raising money for Childline. It has raised over £9 million for the NSPCC to date.

Charity

‘Grave concerns’ over national insurance hike

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SENEDD Members expressed grave concerns about the impact of the UK Government’s national insurance tax hike on GPs, universities and charities in Wales.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth warned the rise in employer national insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15% in April will have a disproportionate impact in Wales.

He told the Senedd: “Labour are quick to accuse others of fantasy economics whilst their own plans represent nightmare economics for thousands of employers and employees.”

Raising concerns about the impact on job creation and wages, he said employment levels are at their lowest for almost a decade – lower than anywhere else in the UK.

He accused Labour of breaking a manifesto pledge as he pointed to an Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) assessment that three quarters of the cost will be passed to workers.

Leading a debate on November 20, Mr ap Iorwerth called on the UK Treasury to fully cover the added cost to public sector employers in Wales.

He said: “It’s not the private sector only … bearing the brunt. Charities, GPs, universities – sectors already feeling the squeeze, to say the very least – have been taken to the brink.”

He pointed to “eye-watering” bills of £90,000 for some GPs, with the British Medical Association warning some surgeries could close as a consequence.

Mr ap Iorwerth said mental health charity Plattform faces a £250,000 annual bill and Welsh universities, “already crippled by financial challenges”, will face significant further pressures.

Plaid Cymru’s motion urged Welsh ministers to press the UK Government to apply a wider definition of the public sector workforce to include universities, GPs and charities.

Peter Fox, the Conservatives’ shadow finance secretary, similarly accused Labour of breaking a manifesto commitment not to raise tax on working people.

The former council leader said: “Time and time again – the chancellor went on TV and made the claim, only to u-turn after they got into power.”

Mr Fox, who represents Monmouth, said even a 1% rise in employer national insurance contributions for the public sector would cost Welsh taxpayers an extra £100m.

He told the Senedd: “The UK Government has said that it will provide funding to cover the cost of national insurance contributions for those workers.

“However, this will still come out of the taxpayer’s pocket … ultimately it is the taxpayers who are going to pay for the Chancellor’s tax increase.”

Luke Fletcher, Plaid Cymru’s shadow economy secretary, warned the national insurance rise will be a drag on an “already anaemic” Welsh jobs market.

His colleague Sioned Williams, who also represents South Wales West, described the chancellor’s “back-of-a-fag-packet” plans as senseless.

She raised concerns about six-figure increases in tax bills for charities including Tenovus, Marie Curie, Citizens Advice Cymru and the Wastesavers Charitable Trust.

Cefin Campbell, Plaid’ Cymru’s shadow education secretary, said the national insurance increase will cost Welsh universities an estimated extra £20m a year.

The Mid and West Wales MS warned: “Without a shadow of a doubt, these additional costs could push our higher education institutions over the precipice.”

Labour’s Hefin David said difficult decisions had to be made to fill a £22bn “black hole” left by the Tories but he rejected Plaid Cymru claims of a return to austerity.

Dr David told the Senedd: “Yes, tough decisions have to be made but I think that in the longer term, this is to everyone’s benefit.”

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Conservative opposition, disputed the “incorrect” £22bn figure, saying the OBR found a £9bn gap.

Replying to the debate, Mark Drakeford stressed that neither he nor the Welsh Government has responsibility for national insurance contributions.

Wales’ finance secretary, who was appointed in September, criticised “fantasy economics” from opposition members on the Plaid Cymru and Conservative benches.

Deriding the “politics of the playground”, he said: “Both of them are willing to spend money on almost anything; neither of them are willing to raise the money necessary from anyone.”

Prof Drakeford said the chancellor returned national insurance broadly to where it had been as a share of gross domestic product for 13 of the 14 Conservative years.

The former First Minister pointed out that the UK Government offset national insurance rises on small employers by more than doubling the employment allowance.

He told the debating chamber or Siambr: “If you want to pay for things, you have to find the money to do so. That is what the chancellor had to do. That is how we will get the money that will come to public services here in Wales.”

Senedd Members voted 25-19 against Plaid Cymru’s motion.

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Charity

Woman shaves head to honour murdered partner and fight knife crime

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A WOMAN whose former partner was murdered in a cowardly town centre attack has shaved her head to raise awareness and funds to combat knife crime, nearly three years after his killer was jailed for life.

John Bell was fatally stabbed in the back after walking away from an argument near a friend’s house. He was found seriously injured in a side street adjacent to the Fusion restaurant in Cardigan, having sustained seven stab wounds inflicted by Ashley Keegan at nearby Golwg y Castell.

Despite efforts to save him, Mr Bell succumbed to his injuries at the scene due to significant blood loss. A post-mortem examination confirmed the brutal extent of his injuries.

Keegan, who had been drinking and became increasingly aggressive on the day of the attack, was sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2021 for what was described as a “brutal and cowardly” act. The court heard how Keegan retrieved a knife from a garden before launching the fatal assault after Mr Bell walked away from their altercation.

Remembering John

Mr Bell, who was a devoted father to a teenage daughter, is remembered fondly by his former partner, Louise Faller.

“John was a good-hearted man,” Louise shared. “As a first-time dad, he was amazing—he took to it naturally. John and I will always have the bond of being first-time parents together. He was a lovely man.”

Louise reflected on the profound impact of his death on their family, particularly on their daughter Cindy.

“There is still sadness, hurt, and anger about it,” she said. “Cindy will turn 18 on December 4, but the impact has changed her view of people and life. Her only comfort is me, her siblings, and her cats, which bring her love and peace.”

A Bold Act for Change

On Saturday, Louise had her hair shaved off in a buzz cut at Cardigan’s Hair Studio to raise money for Lives Not Knives, a youth-led charity focused on preventing youth violence through mentorship and guidance for people aged 9 to 21.

“I chose to shave my hair because it marks nearly three years since [Keegan] was sentenced for what he did,” Louise explained. “I wanted to highlight the dangers of knife crime and how easily a life can be taken. It’s a ripple effect of damage and broken hearts left behind.”

Louise is close to reaching her £500 fundraising target for Lives Not Knives and expressed deep gratitude for the support she has received.

“I couldn’t be more thankful for every single person who has donated and supported me,” she said. “It really has and will help this world in a small but huge way. Thank you from my heart.”

To donate to Louise’s campaign, visit www.justgiving.com/page/louise-faller-1727971243840.

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200 hours at sea in RNLI’s 200th year for Fishguard volunteer

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A FISHGUARD RNLI volunteer has become the first crew member at the station to clock 200 hours at sea in 2024, the RNLI’s bicentenary year.

Jessica Rogers, who joined the crew in September 2021, serves on Fishguard’s Trent-class all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII and the D-Class inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson.

This year has been a milestone for Fishguard RNLI, with over 30 service launches, the addition of a full-time coxswain, and the introduction of a tiered training scheme. Jessica’s achievement highlights the station’s commitment during this historic year, which marks 200 years since Sir William Hillary founded the RNLI.

Jessica has excelled in her training, achieving Tier One and Tier Two crew qualifications for both lifeboats, enabling her to operate as a fully competent crew member on either vessel. She is now advancing her skills as a helm and navigator. Her dedication has resulted in over 200 recorded hours at sea—the highest seen at the station in eight years.

These hours include 35 hours responding to 15 rescue shouts, with the remainder dedicated to training, including supporting other crew members during exercises. Beyond her sea hours, Jessica contributes as the station’s Lifeboat Training Coordinator, ensuring all crew training is up to date.

Professionally, Jessica is a self-employed podiatrist in Fishguard. Her clients are familiar with her RNLI commitment, with lifeboat news often a topic of conversation during appointments. On occasion, her pager has gone off mid-treatment, requiring her professional judgement to prioritize her clients’ safety before responding to a shout.

Jessica’s milestone coincides with the RNLI’s 200th year, showcasing the dedication of volunteers who have supported the lifesaving charity for two centuries. While Jessica is the first to surpass 200 hours at Fishguard in 2024, a handful of other crew members are expected to achieve this milestone by year-end.

Earlier this year, Jessica, her husband Cedwyn Rogers, Florian Caroff, and Jake Thomson were recognized for completing 100 hours at sea, each receiving commemorative glassware crafted by full-time coxswain Gemma Gill. Gemma is now creating a special memento to mark Jessica’s 200-hour achievement.

Gemma Gill, full-time coxswain at Fishguard RNLI, said: “I am incredibly proud of our team, especially Jess for reaching this significant milestone during the RNLI’s bicentenary. Jess’s 200 hours afloat are just part of her contribution—she’s also dedicated countless hours to training, fundraising, and community events. Thank you, Jess, and all our Fishguard crew, for your unwavering commitment.”

Jessica Rogers reflected on her achievement: “I was surprised to learn I’ve spent so much time at sea this year! I love being part of the Fishguard crew, and as they say, time flies when you’re having fun.

This milestone isn’t just my achievement—it’s thanks to the hard work of RNLI staff and volunteers, as well as the generous support of our donors. I look forward to continuing my training and becoming an even more valuable crew member in the years ahead.”

Fishguard RNLI’s year of milestones underscores the dedication of its volunteers and the enduring legacy of the RNLI in saving lives at sea.

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