AN appeal has been made for support for an organisation that offers potentially lifesaving advice and help to children in Thurrock and wider Essex struggling to cope with mental health problems.

And a local volunteer has spoken of the way she is often 'side-swiped' by the stories that she comes across hen dealing with the children.

Childline volunteer Elaine Gibson is among local volunteers preparing to help young people across the festive period – day and night.

In 2018/19 the NSPCC service delivered 7,157 counselling sessions across the 12-day period over Christmas and New Year – with almost 900 of those sessions happening between midnight and 7am.

More than half of those seeking support through the night across the festive period were struggling with mental health issues, self-harm and in the worst cases, suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Elaine says: "Christmas can be one of the most awful times for young people. We hear everything from exam stress, to bullying, mental health, sexual abuse, bereavement; I think I've heard it all then someone will ring in and I'll be side-swiped.

"Those with eating disorders struggle because of all the food around and the sadness from those who are homeless and losing hope is heart wrenching. How could I not volunteer my time for this?

"But I want others to understand that this has changed my life, I'm able to offer a lot more empathy in my own personal life and what these children give to me is invaluable."

More than a hundred children and young people received counselling for suicidal thoughts and feelings between midnight and 7am during the 12-day period last Christmas and New Year.

Childline is the only service available to children and young people, whatever their worry, 24/7 throughout the Christmas holidays.

One 13-year-old girl who contacted Childline during the night said: "I feel really down tonight. I have a counsellor who I see regularly and who I would usually go to for support but I will not be able to get hold of them because it is the Christmas holidays. I was told I could speak to someone at Childline. I have anxiety and find it difficult to cope and have tried to kill myself before. I don't want to live but don't want to upset my family."

Due to demand and a shortage of resources, Childline is only able to help two in every three children that contact them in December and during the rest of the year.

In response, the NSPCC Christmas Appeal 'Light for Every Childhood' is calling for donations and more volunteers so Childline can be there around the clock for every child and young person.

Just £4 pays for Childline to answer a call with a child in need of support. To donate visit the NSPCC website via the red button below.