Volunteers meet Esther Rantzen

From left, Derry Childline volunteers, Aimee Wilson, Dorothy Breslin, Matthew Fitzgerald, Helen Duffy (staff), Roslyn Farr, Rebecca Lovell
Louise Connolly (staff), Dame Esther Rantzen, Catherine McIvor
Fiona Simpson, Sarah Carlin, Annette Wright and Julieann Armstrong pictured with Dame Esther Rantzen in the Long Galley at Stormont. Photo, Simon Graham, Harrison Photography. — From left, Derry Childline volunteers, Aimee Wilson, Dorothy Breslin, Matthew Fitzgerald, Helen Duffy (staff), Roslyn Farr, Rebecca Lovell Louise Connolly (staff), Dame Esther Rantzen, Catherine McIvor Fiona Simpson, Sarah Carlin, Annette Wright and Julieann Armstrong pictured with Dame Esther Rantzen in the Long Galley at Stormont. Photo, Simon Graham, Harrison Photography.

The comments were made at an event to mark the charity’s 30th anniversary. The BBC star said the organisation, founded in 1986, was still as vital as ever to the many children who use it.

Derry volunteers were among the many who attended the special event at Stormont to celebrate the charity’s success.

It was revealed that the centres in Derry and Belfast have dealt with 20 per cent of the four million calls received by the help line over the past 30 years.

Ms. Rantzen also appealed to people locally for more donations so that the organisation can keep helping children here.

She said: “I am calling for more volunteers and donations to ensure that all children have somewhere to turn when faced with abuse.”

“Our ChildLine service provides a safe, confidential place for children with no one else to turn to, whatever their worry, whenever they need help. Children can contact ChildLine 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 1111 or by visiting www.childline.org.uk

“Our free helpline provides adults with a place they can get advice and support, share their concerns about a child or get general information about child protection. Adults can contact the helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 800 5000, by texting 88858.”