We're ready to be there for thousands of children this Christmas

One boy aged 15* told Childline: 

“Christmas can be a tough time for me as there’s a lot of pressure to be ‘okay’, even though inside I know I’m not.

“And New Year’s is just as difficult. Many people see NYE as a new beginning, but to me it’s the start of surviving another 365 days, and knowing that most of those days will probably be spent with me feeling down about something. It’s the most draining thing ever!”

Shaun Friel, Childline director, said:

“As always Childline will be here to help the thousands of children and young people across the UK who we expect to contact us by phone and online over the festive period.

“Some concerns will be what we deal with throughout the year, while others are likely to be more specific to Christmas, such as adults drinking too much, family friction and financial pressures.

“Whatever the issue or concern is, we are reminding all children and young people that our trained counsellors will be here to listen and support them on every day of the 12 Days of Christmas and onwards into 2025.”