Stars’ heartfelt lockdown ‘thank you’ to Childline volunteers still here for children in Wales

• Only Men Aloud record song in lockdown to thank children’s charity volunteers
• Wales Rugby stars and former X Factor contestant pay tribute to Childline
• NSPCC Cymru volunteers have been on the frontline counselling worried children

 NSPCC Cymru volunteers across Wales have been surprised during Volunteers Week (June 1-7) with messages of thanks from celebrities impressed by their resilience during lockdown enabling the charity to still be here for children.

Stars from Wales Rugby recorded video messages of thanks, whilst Only Men Aloud recorded a song during lockdown to thank volunteers helping to provide a vital lifeline for young people.

Childline volunteers continue to support children and young people struggling to cope with the substantial problems the Coronavirus pandemic has presented, whilst the charity’s fundraising volunteers have pushed hard to help bridge a funding shortfall.

More than half of all counselling sessions delivered by Childline volunteers to children in Wales during April related to mental health, suicidal thoughts and feelings and self-harm.

The eight members of Only Men Aloud made home recordings of the Jess Glynne hit ‘I’ll be there’, creating a video for NSPCC Cymru volunteers.

Baritone, Craig Yates said: “Through this Coronavirus pandemic, we were made aware that Childline had experienced an increased demand for its service.

“The Childline supervisors and volunteer counsellors have all been working continually, with a reduced workforce, to be there when children and young people in Wales need them most.

“We thought the words of this Jess Glynne song sum up perfectly what these incredible people feel for those most vulnerable, and from all of us in Only Men Aloud we wanted to give a huge thank you to them for everything they do and have done through this time.”

The popular octet has been generous in its support of the children’s charity, raising over £35,000 for its Wales Appeal in 2018 and 2019 when it championed NSPCC as its Charity of the Year.

Hywel Peterson, Divisional Vice President for NCPCC Cymru said: “We are so grateful for all the support Only Men Aloud has given to the NSPCC over the last two years, culminating in this video to thank all our volunteers who work tirelessly and give up their own time to ensure that the NSPCC can deliver services to children to keep them safe from harm.”

Singer Lucie Jones and Wales Rugby stars Martyn Williams, Sam Warburton, Jamie Roberts and Ryan Jones have also publicly thanked the charity’s volunteers in Wales, recording video messages of support.

Hywel added: “Our volunteers at Childline have heard from children and young people finding it hard to cope behind closed doors with a range of additional emotions such as fear and anxiety on top of every day stresses such as school work and friendships.

“Our volunteers continue to be here for children when they need it most and it’s lovely that our high-profile supporters are recognising their invaluable service to young people in such a heartfelt way.”

Volunteers for Childline in Prestatyn and Cardiff have been on the frontline during lockdown and were granted critical worker status by Welsh Government.

In the month following lockdown, 429 counselling sessions were delivered to children in Wales* who were concerned about mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Childline’s Calm Zone remains popular, giving children and young people a selection of activities and tools that they can use to help them feel better when they are anxious, scared or sad, including breathing exercises, yoga and games.

With levels in early March at around 2,400 pageviews, the tool has seen continued growth since pandemic restrictions were imposed reaching 10,000 page views per week in April.

The NSPCC relies on public support for 90% of its funding and has launched a ‘We’re still here for children’ emergency appeal to raise vital funds to support children and families across the UK.

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk.

 Children can contact Childline for free on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 365 days a year, and speak to a counsellor about a worry or concern they may have.