Derry volunteer talks about her motivation for volunteering for Childline Foyle

NSPCC Northern Ireland is thanking its dedicated volunteers this Volunteers’ Week. Running from 2 – 8 June, Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign that celebrates and recognises the contributions of volunteers to organisations and communities.

Foyle-based Childline volunteer Magdalena Bartosz-Karwacka, or ‘Magda’, shared what motivated her to become a volunteer for the NSPCC-run service. Originally from Poland, 42-year-old Magda moved to Northern Ireland in 2008, and has been volunteering with Childline since 2020.

“Helping people in need has always been on my agenda, so volunteering for Childline was a great opportunity to see if counselling was something for me,” said Magda.

“I feel privileged to see the world through the children’s and young people’s eyes.

“My role at Childline involves responding to calls or online chats with children and young people who can be in crisis or need someone to be with them in that moment and time.”

Talking about the process of becoming a volunteer, Magda continued: “Once your application is approved you are given ample, comprehensive training which means you are equipped with the tools and skills needed to work as a counsellor.

“The support received during shifts is amazing. We are supervised at shifts and debriefed after, with supervisors making sure that you don’t take things home with you.

“Listening to a child or young person about their thoughts and feelings and knowing you make a difference is what really makes it worthwhile being a volunteer. It can also be a valuable step for someone who is considering a career in counselling.”

During 2023/24, the NSPCC had nearly 6,500 people who volunteered for the charity throughout the UK.

NSPCC Assistant Director in Northern Ireland, Bronagh Muldoon, said, “Volunteers truly are the lifeblood of NSPCC Northern Ireland. They allow us to be there for children and families across Northern Ireland when they need us the most.

“Quite simply, we couldn’t exist without the help of the dedicated people who volunteer for the NSPCC. Although we are delighted to celebrate our volunteers this week, I also want to thank every volunteer in Northern Ireland for their dedication every day of the year.

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“We always need more volunteers at NSPCC Northern Ireland. So, whether you can volunteer to lead Speak Ou, Stay Safe workshops in primary schools, help young and their families through the court system in Northern Ireland, talk to children online and over the phone in our Childline service and our Building Connections services, or even help at one of our events, we want to hear from you.

“No matter how much time you can give, NSPCC Northern Ireland has a volunteer role for you to play your part in preventing abuse and help us to rebuild the lives of children and their families.”

Talking about the positive effect volunteering has had on her, Magda continued: “Volunteering for Childline takes more than just a desire to help. It changes you as a person and nourishes your personal growth. I feel that we make a difference to children and young people’s lives, and I am very proud to be a Childline Volunteer counsellor.

“Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person!”

To find out more about NSPCC volunteering opportunities in Northern Ireland, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/volunteer