Among the many types of concerns children contact Childline about are those that relate to mental health. Just like our physical health it’s important we look after our minds, and talking about worries such as stress and anxiety can help children do just this.

We have a team of volunteer counsellors at the NSPCC’s Childline service ready to listen to children around the clock about whatever may be worrying them, however we are in urgent need of more volunteers at our bases in Prestatyn and Cardiff.

A child contacts the charity’s 24/7 Childline service, which operates from 12 bases across the UK, every 25 seconds, but at the moment we are unable to respond to 1 in 3 children who get in contact.

It’s why this Children’s Mental Health Week we’re appealing for more volunteers to help us be there for children who may feel like they have nowhere else to turn.

Successful applicants are asked to give a minimum of either two hours a week as a switchboard volunteer or 4.25 hours per week as a counsellor, and receive a comprehensive training package.

Enquiries for Cardiff can be directed to [email protected]. Visit our website to find out more.

Debs Davis (Childline Services Manager, NSPCC Cymru)