Veteran turned volunteer urges others to lend their time to Childline

NSPCC Cymru is appealing for volunteers to join its North Wales Childline team supporting children and young people, whatever their worry or concern.

Over the last 12 months Childline provided 188,000 counselling sessions, on the phone and online, to children and young people across the UK and Channel Islands.

As part of Welsh Charities Week ( November 25-29) the organisation is urging people to come forward and provide vital support to children and young people,

Former soldier Jan Dock has been volunteering at NSPCC’s Prestatyn Childline base since 2018.

Jan, who lives in Old Colwyn, spent 22 years in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineering as a vehicle electrician and mechanic and, as she rose through the ranks, found herself carrying out more responsibilities under the army’s “implied tasks for soldiers” rule, similar to welfare matters in civilian life.

Working with soldiers aged 17 upwards she was appointed a Notifications Office, which involved breaking bad news to next of kin and dealing with issues including bullying, robbery, rape, suicide attempts, bereavement, and confidence building.

As part of her role Jan was also responsible for service personnel’s families, especially when based abroad, liaising with spouses and children.

Outside of the army, Jan qualified as Lifestyle, Fitness and Motivation coach and scuba diving instructor and is currently the welfare officer for the Martial Arts and Krav Maga Academy in Llandudno.

Jan explained that after retirement she wanted to contribute something to society, and realised she had a range of experience that could be adapted to volunteering and so approached Childline.

“I’d seen some distressing situations in conflict zones and the desperate situations people, especially children, can find themselves in no matter how resilient they are,” said Jan.

“I also needed a period of counselling myself to help me readjust, so I know first-hand the value of having someone to talk to and I appreciate the help and support agencies we have in this country that are often lacking in other societies.”

Around the UK Childline receives a call every 45 seconds and Jan took her first call as a Childline counsellor in 2018.

The 12-week training teaches listening skills and how to ask questions that will encourage children and young people to talk to volunteers.

Volunteers work alongside staff counsellors and are supervised by a team of professional managers.

Jan explained: “The training enhances listening skills and encourages dialogue.

“We also learn to use non-judgemental vocabulary and how to be alert to people’s feelings and concerns.

“I think you need to come to volunteering with an open mind. My training and experience at Childline have helped me in interactions, not only with the young people, but with people in general.

“I believe many people have the skills and experience to make ideal volunteers. To know that a young person has had someone to talk to and that you’ve helped make a difference for them is so rewarding. That’s what keeps me going.”

More information about volunteering at Prestatyn or Cardiff can be found here www.nspcc.org.uk/volunteer

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.