ChildLine

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ChildLine is a UK-based children's helpline. It was formed as a charity in 1986, largely at the instigation of the television presenter Esther Rantzen. Due to a long-running financial crisis, ChildLine ceased to be an independent charity and became a part of the NSPCC on 1 February 2006. Esther Rantzen became a member of the board of trustees, and was given the honorary title, "President of ChildLine." Shortly before the NSPCC takeover, Amicus became the recognised trade union for ChildLine staff and volunteers.

The primary role of ChildLine is to provide a 24-hour telephone helpline to comfort and advise children suffering because of bullying, child abuse, problems at school or other concerns. It also works with schools on anti-bullying initiatives and peer support networks, as well as lobbying government.

ChildLine has 11 counselling centres around the UK, staffed largely by volunteers. In 2004 it was controversially announced that the organisation's Nottingham base, which had been the second to open after the London headquarters, was to be closed as a cost-cutting measure. Before the NSPCC takeover, plans were in place to close another base in Newton Abbot, and to scale down the size of ChildLine's operation in Leeds.

Approximately 4,500 children phone ChildLine every day, though only 2,500 of these callers can be answered.

Despite most mobile phone operators charging for freephone 0800 calls, calls to ChildLine's number are not charged by any UK mobile network. Childline posters point out that "the call will not appear on your bill", for the benefit of children wishing to phone in secret.

[edit] International

Similar children's helplines using the name ChildLine have been formed in a number of countries. As of 2005 these included India, Ireland, Namibia, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe. Some of these are independent charities; others have been set up by existing children's charities or more general helplines.