Lockdown has presented many adults with anxiety, fear and frustration.

But, how is it affecting children and young adults? Sometimes their experience is being forgotten.

Weekend Breakfast was joined by Caroline O'Sullivan,  the ISPCC’s Director of Services.

Caroline says that during the pandemic they are regularly fielding over 800 calls a day from seriously anxious children.

She told Alison Curtis that now more than ever their service is absolutely essential:

Many of the children are telling us they are lonely, upset and anxious. Children presenting with low mood, feeling depressed. Anxiety is a huge area we are continuing to see grow among young people. That's why it's so important to have a service like Childline. We work to strengthen children's resilience.

Childline costs €4.2m annually to operate.  Over 90% will need to be raised from the generosity of the public.

 Just Press Play to Listen Here

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The impact of Covid-19 has intensified challenges for children across Ireland, with mental health difficulties, family tensions and isolation among the issues spoken about by those who turned to the service for support.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Childline is Ireland’s 24-hour national listening service for all children and young people (under the age of 18) in Ireland. It is private, confidential and non-judgemental and can be contacted for free from anywhere in Ireland.

Childline can be contacted by any child or young person by calling 1800 66 66 66, texting to 50101 or chatting online at Childline.ie 24 hours a day, every day.

Please donate today to make sure that Childline are always there for children 

Just go to   ispcc.ie/give

Vodafone Ireland Foundation are proud sponsor of ISPCC Childline for 5 years.