‘Substantial increase’ in Childline calls

THE number of calls for help to the ISPCC’s Childline service increased 28% in 2008 and this year the organisation says it’s struggling to keep up with growing demand for assistance.

In the first seven months of this year, the number of calls to Childline jumped more than 40,000 when compared to the same period for last year. The ISPCC has reported a “substantial increase” in the demand for all its services this year.

“The ISPCC is working hard to respond to every child who needs a service. In 2009, we embarked on a new strategy which through our staff and volunteers and the use of web-based technologies, has enabled us to provide a service to more children than ever before.