ISPCC reports 9% increase in Childline calls

The ISPCC has reported a 9% increase in the number of calls answered by its Childline service last year.

In its latest annual report, the organisation says it also experienced a significant increase in demand for its 4ME and Childfocus services.

The 4ME service provides a mentoring and counselling service to young people aged between 13 and18 years who are at risk of misusing drugs and alcohol while Childfocus provides counselling and support to children aged 12 years or under.

The ISPCC says it will continue to lobby the Government to hold a referendum as soon as possible to enshrine children's rights in the Constitution.