Child helpline in plea over vital work

One of the country's leading children's charities urged people today to remember the important work it carried out supporting troubled youngsters at home and abroad.

Marking Child Helpline International Day, the Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children said massive numbers of kids were using its services each year.

Last year its Childline service had 298,829 one-to-one contacts with troubled youngsters and 97,261 approaches through its internet and text messaging system.

The charity said a series of workshops were being held around the country today allowing children to express what it means to them to be listened to and the best ways of communication.