The ISPCC Childline telephone service, which provides 24-hour support for children, is recruiting volunteers for its operations in the Limerick area.
With specialist training getting under way at the regional ISPCC office, 115 O’Connell Street, Limerick, on this Wednesday, January 10, prospective volunteers are asked to register expressions of interest as soon as possible.
Childline Regional Supervisor Danielle Carmody, said that the Childline training equips volunteers with the skills to deliver a quality service to children.
“All Childline volunteers are trained in active listening skills and child-centered practice. Volunteers receive ongoing training and support throughout the year,” she explained.
“Every year, more than 400,000 calls are made to Childline’s phone line, live text and webchat services. Children call Childline for many reasons; they might just want to talk to someone, or may be lonely, upset, worried or may have experienced trauma or abuse. When children contact Childline, they are seeking a listening ear and often feel that they have nowhere else to turn.
“The free, anonymous and confidential Childline service is staffed by a team of volunteers and staff members who train and supervise volunteers to ensure a consistent and high quality service to children and young people. Volunteers do not need any prior qualifications. They receive comprehensive, ongoing, training and support before they take their first call and for the duration of their time as a Childline volunteer.
“An excellent team atmosphere and spirit of camaraderie and peer support prevails at each Childline office throughout the country. Childline volunteers complete weekly four-hour shifts and facilitate Childline’s 24-hour phoneline, live text and webchat services.
More information on becoming a Childline volunteer is available at ispcc.ie/volunteer, email danielle.carmody@ispcc.ie or call the Limerick office on 061 400 077.
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