Why listening for Childline could be just what you need to do in 2026

New year, new you, we’ve all heard that before.

But this year, make a real change by volunteering to listen to children and young people who truly will benefit from your support.

Childline is looking for volunteers in its Dun Laoghaire office to be ready to listen to any child when they need to talk.

Not only will young people benefit, but the volunteers who listen to them will transform their lives too.

Childline volunteer Deirdre says that she gets a sense of pride and purpose from her work with the 24/7 listening service.

“The whole ethos and advocacy for children and young people that Childline stands for resonated with my core beliefs and passion that I feel like I’m doing something important, worthwhile and having an impact.”

Volunteers are the heart and soul behind Childline’s 24/7 listening service for children and young people.

These men and women go out of their way time and again to offer support to those who need it, whenever they need it, no matter the reason.

An excellent team spirit and sense of support prevails at Childline units throughout the country where volunteers gather for their four-hour weekly shift.

For Sarah, volunteering with Childline has changed her life in ways she could never have envisioned.

Her aim when she started volunteering “was to empower at least one child on my shift, but the reason why I stay is because of the other volunteers.

“I’ve made friends for life, we really support each other.”

In these uncertain days, when the challenges and drawbacks of AI are becoming increasingly clear, the need for real human connection is essential and that is exactly what Childline provides for the children and young people who need its services.

Deirdre says that she is inspired and motivated by the young people contacting Childline.

“They show such strength and courage, despite sometimes great adversities that me giving just a fraction of my time appears easy in comparison.

“I have grown as a person each and every week I have volunteered here because I feel valued and that I am doing some good in the world. ”

The Childline listening service is now recruiting volunteers for its office in Dun Laoghaire.

Its 24/7 listening service is free and confidential and can be reached online or by phone.

Childline volunteers come from all walks of life and are united by one common purpose: to help ensure no child or young person in Ireland has to face their challenges alone, no matter how big or small.

Volunteers receive full training in advance of answering their first contact and ongoing support and upskilling thereafter.

The first training session of 2026 starts in February.

If you would like more information on becoming a Childline volunteer at our unit in Cork and helping the service to listen to children and young people, please go to https://www.ispcc.ie/volunteer-with-childline/