A text line to Santa will ensure he can find homeless children

Homeless children worried that Santa won’t find them on Christmas Eve can text a very special number to make sure he does.

The ISPCC has a new Childline service to provide emotional support to more than 1,500 homeless children in Ireland.

The text support service, established in partnership with homeless organisations, Focus Ireland, and DePaul, is also for children who are worried about homelessness.

ISPCC chief executive, Grainia Long, said losing a home was traumatic at any age, but for a child it could be extremely destabilising.

“Some children miss toys that have been packed away; others worry whether Santa will find them in their new home and some worry about noise and new environments,” said Ms Long.

“Many children report feeling uncertain about the future and are often worried about their parents and siblings as they see the level of stress they are under.”

She said the service for homeless children, or those at risk of homelessness, was so they could talk about their experience and build their resistance and ability to cope.

It is available every day from 10am to 4am daily. Children can text ‘Home’ to 50101 to make contact with a volunteer.

The listening service is non-directive and is intended to complement child and family support services provided by other agencies.

Childline is preparing for about 2,500 contacts between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, based on last year’s figures.

Ms Long said calls over the two days tended to be more serious and upsetting but there would be no shortage of volunteers.

She said Childline volunteers were eager to work over Christmas because they knew what a tough time it could be for some children.

Childline 1800 666666 childline.ie