Commenting on an online meeting with the NSPCC and Childline staff from the Prestatyn base, Vale of Clwyd MS, Gareth Davies said:
“It was a pleasure to meet with NPSCC and Childline this morning to learn about the vital work they do from their base in Prestatyn and across the nation.”
“As we mark the start of Volunteers Week, I am reminded how indebted we all are to the fantastic volunteers at Childline. During this pandemic, they have often been the only safety net for many children across Wales. Lockdown brought challenges for all of us but none more so than those children suffering from neglect and abuse. I want to thank all the volunteers for their hard work and dedication”
“The amazing team at Childline have helped so many young people during this pandemic and we all owe them a debt of gratitude. As Shadow Minister for Social Services, I look forward to working with the NSPCC to prevent child abuse and ensure that children are supported to recover from Adverse Childhood Experiences.”
Policy & Public Affairs Manager for NSPCC Cymru/Wales, Cecile Gwilym volunteers for Childline in her spare time.
She says:
“Our work at the NSPCC supporting children and young people is possible thanks to our dedicated volunteers, fundraisers and supporters across Wales who are currently readying themselves to help us celebrate Childhood Day on June 11th and raise donations that we rely on for 90% of our income.
“Our Childline service is particularly reliant on volunteers, who listen to and support children and young people when they feel they have nowhere else to turn. Children talk to our Childline counsellors about a whole range of worries, but mental wellbeing remains the most common concern raised in counselling sessions.
“It’s because of this and the increased risk of online harm we know children have been facing since the start of the pandemic that mental health support services and online safety are two of our priorities, ensuring children are protected and effectively supported with recovery.”
Volunteers Week runs from 1-7 June each year. More details can be found at https://volunteersweek.org
Childline Prestatyn is in need of more volunteers and anyone keen to find out more can contact Sally.King-Sheard@nspcc.org.uk or 01745 772 101. Successful applicants are asked to give a minimum 4.25 hours per week as a Childline counsellor, and receive a comprehensive training package.
The NSPCC’s Childhood Day is taking place in Wales for the first time this year. Its focus is on celebrating childhood, with Sam Warburton joining our charity in encouraging friends, families and colleagues across the country to come together to host their own play event whilst raising money to help keep children and young people safe.
All of the policy priorities of NSPCC Cymru/Wales are included in its [nspcc.org.uk/manifestowales]manifesto.
