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06 Sept 2025

Derry's Childine "a lifeline for youngsters across the city"

The Foyle base is hoping to recruit new volunteers after their Open Day last week

Derry's Childine "a lifeline for youngsters across the city"

Childline Foyle has helped thousands of young people since opening in 2007

Reporter:

Nicole Lang

06 Jun 2023 8:29 PM

Childline Foyle, situated at Exchange House in the city, held an open day as part of Volunteers’ Week 2023 (June 1 - 7) to give members of the public an opportunity to learn more about the work of Childline Foyle.
They explained the importance of the new Childline Foyle Night Service- one of only four bases across the UK to have such a service- and what is involved when you become a Childline volunteer counsellor.
Childline Foyle Team Manager, Donna Fulton, chatted with the Derry News about the vital service that provides a lifeline for children across the city.
Donna said that the pandemic and the cost of living crisis has had a massive effect on young people as well as the amount of people able to volunteer.
"It is tough for young people," she explained. "There is an intensity to the world right now with everything going on- a lot of anxiety and uncertainty- and young people feel that. It is difficult for them. They see mum and dad under stress and they don't want to worry them and they need someone to turn to- and we can be that person.
"It is so great that we can also offer the night service because it's like anything, things get worse during the night. It is a very positive contribution that we are able to make. We offer them a safe space."
Anyone aged over 16 can be a volunteer and Donna said they are reaching out to people who may think volunteering wouldn't be an option for them, "We have been speaking to people from the deaf community for example as well as those who support people with neurodiversity. We have lots of ways that we can support them in the role.
"Full training is provided to volunteers and we love people from all backgrounds because they bring a richness with them and we can all learn from each other.
"Our volunteers make a massive impact- they can contribute to someone's life long learning and direction and young people tell us that- it is lovely.
"There is also no decision making for volunteers and they are able to be present in the moment with the young people. Everyone has their own supervisor as well as a debrief every single shift and ongoing training. Everyone supports one another."
As well as recruiting new volunteers, Donna said the Open Day was also about recognising the amazing volunteers that are already a part of the team and the amazing work that they do.
The volunteers were presented with their award by Mayor Duffy on the day and have all been volunteering at Childline for different lengths of time.

Between them, they have had an incredible 2281 supportive conversations with young people.

The volunteers who received awards were Patricia Murphy, Darragh Doherty, Laoise Mackel-McLaughlin, Bernadette Allen, Magdalena Bartosz Karwacka, Donna Cartin, Kiera McKinney and Rosemary Mackey.

Donna added: "At the end of every shift, you know you have made a difference and that is really important. We hope more amazing people can sign up and help us be there for our young people."

For more information on the work carried out by Childline or to become a volunteer, please visit www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/volunteering-nspcc-childline/

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