NSPCC appeals for volunteers in Peterborough as figures show rise in counselling for under 11s

They have warned about the devastating mental health impact the pandemic has had on children as new figures reveal Childline has seen a 16 percent increase in the monthly average number of counselling sessions about mental and emotional health delivered to children aged 11 and under since lockdown measures were first introduced (415 up to 480).

The data also shows that the service delivered a total of 54,926 counselling sessions to children of all ages on this issue from April to the end of December.

The monthly average number of counselling sessions on mental health where children spoke about loneliness also rose by 10 percent (447 up to 491) compared to the pre-lockdown period from January to March.

The main concerns in these sessions included anxiety, low mood, depression, loneliness and low self esteem. One 10-year-old told Childline: “I’ve been missing my friends loads since the schools closed. They all have iPhones but I don’t, so I can’t get in touch with them over instant messenger. It’s making me feel left

out and alone.”

Another 13-year-old girl said: “I’ve found being inside for so long really difficult. I keep checking my phone and getting upset when nobody is talking to me. 

“I feel so lonely and have started binge eating. Before lockdown, I had been quite happy, but now being inside all the time has made me start hurting myself and hating myself. Being with my family really isn’t

helping because we don’t get along most of the time.” 

Childline counselling is delivered by volunteers and in response to these latest worrying figures and with COVID restrictions continuing, the service is urgently appealing to those who can spare four hours one evening a week or at the weekend to volunteer, so Childline can be here for children when they need it the most.

Since the first lockdown last year, mental health has remained the top concern that children and young people talked to Childline about. The service has delivered between 5000 to 7000 counselling sessions every month on this issue with the numbers fluctuating throughout the year as the situation changes and Covid restrictions were lifted and re-imposed.

Childline has remained open during lockdown, with staff and volunteers given key worker status to continue their vital work, but since last March, volunteer numbers have dropped 40 percent.

Childline Founder and President, Dame Esther Rantzen said: “With schools now shut again and children spending more time behind closed doors, it is absolutely paramount that we all come together to support children and help ensure the impact of the pandemic does not continue on into adulthood.

“With the right help and support, these children can go on to have full and happy lives.

“Therefore, I encourage anyone who can to join the NSPCC in their mission to make 2021 a better year for children.”

Neil Homer, who is 53-years-old and works in telecoms but has volunteered for Childline since 2009, said: “I’ve heard first-hand the devastating impact the pandemic has had on children’s mental health and well-being.

“As children’s lives continue to be impacted by the pandemic, it is vital that myself and my fellow volunteer counsellors continue to be here to listen to children’s worries and support them. However, we currently can’t answer every child so, if you can, please sign up and volunteer for Childline and help us reach every child who needs our support.”

Su Wright, Children Services Practitioner for NSPCC Peterborough Service Centre, said: “Last year was a challenging year for all of us and these latest figures from Childline show the impact this pandemic has had on children’s mental health across the UK.

“Here in the East of England, the children we help have already been through so much and demonstrate great resilience. Our programmes, like Protect and Respect and Letting the Future In, are there to help children rebuild their lives after traumatic events such as sexual abuse. 

“Many of these young people may already be struggling with their mental health due to the trauma they have experienced, and the impacts of the pandemic often exacerbated their feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety.

“We can all experience difficulties with our mental health at points in our lives, and it is important to know where to access support.”

Anyone who wishes to volunteer with the NSPCC can visit their website by clicking here.

Children can call Childline on 0800 11 11 from 7.30am to 3.30 am from Monday to Friday or 9am to 3.30am on weekends. Or they can get in touch via www.childline.org.uk.