ChildLine
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ChildLine is a UK-based children's charity. It was formed in 1986, largely at the instigation of the television presenter Esther Rantzen, who is still chair of the board of trustees of ChildLine.
The primary role of ChildLine is to provide a 24-hour telephone helpline to comfort and advise children suffering because of bullying, child abuse, problems at school or other concerns. The charity also works with schools on anti-bullying initiatives and peer-support networks, as well as lobbying government.
ChildLine has 11 counselling centres around the UK, staffed largely by volunteers. In 2004 it was controversially announced that the organisation's Nottingham base, which had been the second to open after the London headquarters, was to be closed as a cost-cutting measure.
Approximately 4,000 children phone ChildLine every day, though less than half of these calls can be answered.
Despite most mobile phone operators charging for freephone 0800 calls, ChildLine's number (0800 1111) is generally not charged for by the majority of them.
External links
- ChildLine (http://www.childline.org.uk) - Official site