A million sessions to mark charity milestone
Birmingham charity Childline celebrated their 20th anniversary after providing more than half a million sessions to children across the country - changing young lives with support and advice - since the base opened in 2002.
The NSPCC-run service, situated in the city 's CIBA building, celebrated 20 years of supporting children by devoting an afternoon to honouring its team.
Childline staff and volunteers reflected on their two decades of service in Birmingham and across the UK.
Neil Homer has been a Childline volunteer for 13 years. He said: “It is great to be here and to celebrate Birmingham Childline 's 20 years. Childline gives many young people a voice who may otherwise stay silent.
“We receive calls from many children who, in their different ways, feel overwhelmed by life. Just being here and allowing them to offload and if appropriate to offer help and advice makes everything worthwhile. ”
Matthew Brookes, Childline team manager for Birmingham Childline, said: “We are really proud to have reached this 20-year milestone. Over the years we have received thousands of calls from children in distress about a whole series of problems and issues. Yet, we 've always been there to listen, help and to change young people 's lives for the better.
“I would like to say a great thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Birmingham Childline, past and present, whose dedication, professionalism and care have made such a difference to so many young lives.
In the last year Birmingham Childline delivered 19,850 counselling sessions to children and young people. To ensure this service can continue to be there for every child, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the base needs more people to become volunteer counsellors.
They are looking for volunteers who can commit to a regular four-and-a-half-hour shift, once a week, and have an empathetic and non-judgemental outlook. Expressions of interest should be made to birminghamvolunteers@nspcc.org.uk
To find out more about how you can support Childline and the NSPCC, go to www.nspcc.org.uk
Children can speak to a Childline counsellor anytime on 0800 1111. Alternatively, they can visit the Childline website, www.childline.org.uk, and have a 121 online chat or send an email to a counsellor.