Aberdeen’s Childline base has issued an urgent appeal for new volunteers to join the counselling service so they can reach out to more young children.
The charity currently has 145 volunteers but still needs more than 50 additional helpers to increase the amount of youngsters that are helped out by the service.
Manager of the Aberdeen Childline base, Leanne Ferries, said that the service was important to the city.
“It is vital that we have this service in Aberdeen,” she said. “It’s in a central location and is accessible to everyone.
“It’s a really positive experience as not only are you helping children, you are also making new friends, gaining new skills and we have great social activities in the base.”
The work of volunteers at the Aberdeen Childline base has been widely praised by the Scottish Government, with a number of young people receiving Saltire Awards for their contribution to volunteering.
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart said it was important to recognise the work of these “unsung heroes”.
“Volunteers are often unsung heroes in our communities which is why it is important that we recognise the work of these amazing people who give up their time to help others,” he said.
“Some children live with unimaginable stress and pain and having a service like Childline can be life changing because it gives them an opportunity to speak out safely and get the help they need and I would encourage as many people as possible to sign up to become volunteers.”
The Aberdeen Childline base hosts a volunteer information meeting on Thursday June 21 between 6-8pm on the 3rd floor at Ruby House in Ruby Place, Aberdeen.
Call 01224 973 030 for more information.