ChildLine is the place to call whatever the problem

With exams looming for many young people, the NSPCC is asking schools in Northamptonshire to help remind children and young people that the ChildLine service is there for them, whatever their worry, big or small.

Additional online support including a guide called Beat the Exam Stress will be available this month via the new ChildLine website and local schools are being asked to display contact information for the service on school intranet sites and in email messages to pupils.

Figures show that just over 175,000 children were counselled by ChildLine last year and of these, around 480 mentioned exam stress during their call.
Denise Robertson, ChildLine assistant director in the Midlands, said: “This additional advice and information for young people is particularly timely with SATS and exams approaching across the country. It is clear from calls to the ChildLine service that exams can lead to feelings of stress and pressure to perform.

“It’s vital that all children and young people feel that they can call ChildLine about anything that’s concerning them. Schools play a vital role in supporting children and providing information so we appreciate their help in promoting ChildLine to their pupils.”

A new ChildLine poll shows that children often don’t know how to talk to their parents and other adults about their personal problems.

Over half (54%) of the 1024 children surveyed said they would feel too embarrassed to talk to an adult about a private or personal problem. Forty-nine per cent said they would not be able to find the right words.1

The new look ChildLine website will provide more advice about typical problems children worry about and information on what would happen if they get in touch with ChildLine. www.childline.org.uk will now be a site solely for children and young people to access help, advice and information about the helpline. Any adults who visit the site will be re-directed to the NSPCC website.

Denise added: “If you or someone you know is concerned about exams coming up, help is at hand and ChildLine is there for you. Visit the website for information, or give us a call on 0800 1111.”