Childline expects surge in calls from children over Christmas
Childline is preparing to support thousands of children and young people across the UK this festive season, with the service expecting a surge in calls as many face bereavement, family issues, and other seasonal struggles.
The NSPCC-run service, which remains open 24/7 throughout December, including Christmas Day, delivered nearly 5,500 counselling sessions over the 12 Days of Christmas last year, averaging more than 450 per day.
Mental health and wellbeing remain the most common concerns year-round, but Christmas brings additional challenges for children, including worries about missing loved ones, family conflicts, adults drinking excessively, financial pressures, and feelings of guilt or jealousy over gifts.
Childline bases across the UK, including Prestatyn, will remain operational throughout the festive season, staffed by dedicated volunteers and full-time professionals.
Gill Woodcock, a Childline volunteer of 11 years from Llandudno, will be among those working at the Prestatyn base. She said:
“Christmas can be a very difficult time for children and families, especially with the high expectations of the season that they can see all around them on television, social media and so on.
“For those who have lost loved ones, it is a particularly difficult time. Sometimes being out of a routine, feeling isolated or family tensions can be hard to cope with, so having someone to talk to, who listens, and doesn’t judge, can make a significant difference.”
Childline Director Shaun Friel reinforced the importance of the service, saying:
“As always, Childline will be here to help the thousands of children and young people across the UK who we expect to contact us by phone and online over the festive period.
“Some concerns will be what we deal with throughout the year, while others are likely to be more specific to Christmas, such as adults drinking too much, family friction and financial pressures.”
He reminded young people that no issue is too big or small:
“Whatever the issue or concern is, we are reminding all children and young people that our trained counsellors will be here to listen and support them on every day of the 12 Days of Christmas and onwards into 2025.”
A 15-year-old boy from Wales shared his struggles with Childline following the loss of his uncle:
“I normally spend Xmas Eve with my uncle, but he passed away earlier this year and it’s really hitting me that I won’t see him. I haven’t told anyone how much I’m struggling at the moment as I don’t want to stress anyone out.”
A 16-year-old girl expressed a different concern:
“I am feeling guilty about being happy and celebrating Christmas because lately I have been seeing so many bad things happening in places like Palestine or Ukraine. It’s stupid but I keep saying to myself, ‘why do I deserve to be happy when there is so much suffering in the world?’”
The NSPCC highlights that, on average, a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds during the Christmas period.
- For help, children and young people can contact Childline at 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk.
