Gok’s charity of the month – May: ChildLine
ChildLine has been at the forefront of helping children for over 25 years now and I truly believe in all the work they do! They have become an institution in this country and I encourage and implore any young person under 18 years old to contact them if they are facing troubles in their lives.
This is exactly why I have put their link on my Ask Gok page, because although you know I would do anything to help every one of you, these really are the guys with the knowledge and know-how to help teenagers and kids get through some of their most difficult years!
As you know I went through many different issues in my youth and I wish I had had the courage to give them a call! Childline are my charity of the month not only for all the amazing work they have done, but also all the incredible help and guidance they will give the young people of our country in the future. So if you can help them in any way, whether that’s through volunteering or donations please do what you can! Loads of love, and thank you for reading my lovelies! Gok xxx
ChildLine is the UK’s free, confidential helpline dedicated to children and young people. 25 years ago in October 1986, ChildLine came to life. Starting out as a single phone number young people could call if they were experiencing abuse, we’ve come a long way since then. Since it launched ChildLine has counselled over 2.6 million vulnerable children.
In October 2009 we re-launched the ChildLine website to include online counselling, which means that now as well as calling 0800 1111, young people up until their 19th birthday can also email a counsellor, have a 1-2-1 chat online, ask Sam a question or get help and support from other young people on the message boards. The website also has videos and games to help young people take their mind off things, as well as information and advice on a whole range of issues.
At ChildLine bases around the UK, trained volunteers are on hand to provide advice and support 24 hours a day. A ChildLine counsellor is someone who will listen and knows it takes courage to contact us; is aware of the sorts of problems that young people might be worried about; won’t judge; is not easily shocked and who children and young people can trust.
Counsellors are also human beings with different jobs, families and friends. They may be gay, heterosexual, bisexual, of any ethnicity or religion, have a disability or long term illness. They have all been children and had different experiences of childhood but they will never assume things about a young person’s situation or how they may be feeling.
Young people have said the following about how ChildLine has helped them:
“ChildLine has not only changed my life, but it has also saved my life so many times!”
“Childline is one of the best things that’s ever happened to the world. It’s a place where you can go to escape from whatever bad things are happening in your life and go into a world where you know you’re not alone and that there are people just like you out there.”
If you are under the age of 19 and would like support from ChildLine, you can call 0800 1111 or visit www.ChildLine.org.uk to learn more about how we can support you. If you’re an adult you can find out more about volunteering or donating to ChildLine here.