CHILDLINE in Manchester needs more volunteers and is calling on people to find out more at an information meeting on May 26 between 6pm –7.30pm. The city’s ChildLine base, at Salford Quays, 14 Carolina Way, Salford M50 2ZY, IS looking for 70 volunteers to come forward to support young people either by phone or via it’s online service.

Volunteers are particular needed for afternoon and evening shifts, when young people have more freedom to contact ChildLine. Children contact ChildLine about a wide range of issues including bullying, sexual and physical abuse and breakdowns in family relationships. Counselling volunteers offer free confidential advice and support to these children 24 hours a day, either over the phone, by email or via one-to-one chat. They help children, listen to the child and offer advice and support that is relevant to them. They also help children talk through their problems and encourage them to speak to someone they can trust. Lindsay Marston, ChildLine volunteer coordinator in Manchester, said: “We’re looking for people who genuinely care about children and young people, who are open-minded, non-judgemental and respectful, and can listen to distressing and painful feelings and problems. ChildLine is a lifeline for many children who have nowhere else to turn so we must make sure we have enough volunteers to answer every child who contacts us. Please join us at our information meeting to find out more.”

No previous experience or qualifications are necessary as full training is provided. ChildLine offers counselling volunteers initial training in counselling skills and identifying child protection concerns. After successful completion of the training, the team provides support during counselling, ongoing training and for experienced counsellors further opportunities to develop skills.

To attend the information meeting and to find out more about the volunteering opportunities, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/volunteer or email: childlinemanchestervolunteer@nspcc.org.uk