This Spring, Childline by ISPCC is calling on schools, businesses and individuals to take part in their latest campaign by walking a lap while having a chat To take part, see here.

Last year, Childline - Ireland’s only 24hr Listening Service for children and young people - experienced a significant increase in calls and conversations with children seeking support for thoughts about suicide, dealing with conflict, low mood, unhappiness and more.

All too often, it can be easy to tell young people to not sweat the small stuff when in fact, discussing those worries is exactly what’s needed. Children want adults to validate what's important to them and deserve to feel heard.

That’s why Childline is launching a new campaign called Let’s Sweat it Together - because at Childline their belief is simple; if it's BIG to you; it's BIG to us!

Let's Sweat it Together

This March and April, Childline is asking friends and family members to invite someone you care about for a catch up and a walk in the park or in your local area.

For schools, Childline are providing a school talk, workbooks, information booklets, and supports on the day for when they are hosting their lap and chat on or off school grounds.

For companies, Childline are asking them to give back to their employees by giving them time away from their screens or off the shop floor to go for a lap and a chat with a friend from work or a family member if they are working from home – corporates will also receive a corporate talk, mental health tickchart and supports from Childline experts for parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. Childline are here to help you support the young people in your lives and their mental health.

Everyone who completes their lap and makes a donation will receive a completion certificate, which can then be shared through WhatsApp, Facebook or Instagram to let everyone know you took on the challenge and supported Childline this Spring.

Let’s Sweat it Together was developed in response to the calls Childline receives from the children of Ireland as the country’s only 24/7 free listening service for children and young people.

From sibling rivalry to differences in style or music tastes, exam anxiety, abuse, bullying or their sexuality, young people have a lot to deal with and it's not always easy to find the words or the right people to talk to. That's why services like Childline are vital as it provides a safe space for children to talk and be heard.

For rugby star Brittany Hogan, lining up for ISPCC’s latest fundraising campaign, Let’s Sweat it Together, is the perfect tribute to her childhood self.

“Unfortunately, I was once that child in need, desperate for someone to talk to but was not sure how to approach my feelings or thoughts. Worries are so personal to each one of us and it is important to not bottle them up inside.

“I am proud to be supporting Childline on this fantastic campaign spreading awareness of the importance of chatting and what better way than getting outside and sweating those worries out together.”

Speaking about his experience, fellow rugby player Caelan Doris explains how he values the importance of sharing worries with loved ones:

“Having psychotherapists as parents, I was always encouraged to be open about my feelings and discuss any worries or concerns that I had but it’s only in the last few years that I’ve started doing it.

“It can be uncomfortable to talk about tricky things but the more I do it, the more I see the benefit in it. I’ve also realised that everyone has their own struggles and that our worries and anxieties are often quite similar which has been reassuring in not feeling alone or different.”

Childline

Childline by ISPCC – provides an extensive suite of services and supports for children in Ireland. Childline is private, confidential and non-judgemental and can be contacted for free from anywhere in Ireland by calling 1800 66 66 66 or chatting online at Childline.ie 24 hours a day, every day.

Speaking about the new campaign, John Church, ISPCC CEO said:

"As children around the country are entering a period of high pressure with exam season, we want to remind them that if a worry is big to you, it’s big to us at Childline. That’s why we are encouraging individuals, schools and businesses to join us and ‘Let’s Sweat it Together’ by having a lap and a chat with a friend, family member or colleague.”

ISPCC needs to raise up to 75% of its funding each year from donations and relies on the generosity of people right across Ireland.

So to donate to Childline’s ‘Let’s Sweat it Together’ campaign or to find out more information on how to sign yourself, your school or business up, visit: https://ispcc.enthuse.com/profile