Contacting ChildLine

If you are worried about anything, it could be something big or something small - don't bottle it up. It can really help if you talk to someone. If there is something on your mind, ChildLine is here for you.

You won't be judged

Our friendly counsellors understand the sorts of problems you might be worried about and are trained to help.

They won’t judge you or put you down and they are not easily shocked. Instead, they will listen and help talk you through your options.

Whatever you’d like to talk about is important to us. You are not alone.

We know it takes a lot of courage to contact us; you might be worried about what will happen, who will find out and
what you would say?

In what ways can I contact ChildLine?

There are several different ways you can receive support through ChildLine, which you can read more about below and see what other young people have said about them.

To have a 1-2-1 chat with a counsellor, to send an email to ChildLine or to post on the message boards, you will need to
sign up to the ChildLine website.

Whatever your worry, it’s better out than in

Call us

"I think that it’s really helpful and really nice to know that you can talk to someone who treats you like you’re the only person in the world that matters"

Call free on 0800 1111. Calls are confidential and won’t appear on the phone bill, including mobiles. Find out more.
1-2-1 Chat

"I love 121 chat. I really want the courage to call the ChildLine number but at the moment I don’t have that. The counsellors on 1-2-1 chat are really kind; they let me take my time. I have a difficult life and sometimes I just get down. They just talk to me like a friend, how my day has been and what’s been happening. It helps me get through smaller things that would normally build up inside me."

Chat to a ChildLine counsellor online in a 1-2-1 session any time you want.
Find out more about 1-2-1 chat.
ChildLine Email

"When I am upset or tearful I can come and
share my feelings through email."

You can send ChildLine an email about anything, and we'll reply to your personal inbox. Find out more about ChildLine email.
Ask Sam

"Even if you haven't asked Sam a question someone else has. There are many problems on the website and there is bound to be one similar to yours."

Ask Sam whatever you want. Write Sam a message or look at what other people have asked. Find out more about Ask Sam.
Message board

"Everyone helps each other out and is going through the same things as me –it’s a really welcoming place.I don’t feel like I’m the only one anymore."

Have you got something to say, or want to ask a question?
Visit the message board and get support from the ChildLine community.
Explore

"It was informative but not scary like some resources – it was useful and informal so kids like me can understand it easily"

Sometimes you can sort out a problem on your own. In the Explore section you'll find info on a whole range of issues.
Play

"I go on it and it relieves my stress”

Take your mind off things for a bit, by visiting the Play section. Watch videos or play games whilst you browse the site or when you’re waiting for a counsellor on 1-2-1 chat.
Express yourself

"I like wall of expression because I can trust it all to be confidential and it lets me express my feelings without feeling stupid about my self."

You can write down what is upsetting or worrying you on the Wall of Expression, then piece by piece knock the wall down and watch it crumble away. You can also use the Creative tool to write poems, create pictures and express yourself. Take a look at the Creative gallery to see what others have done.
Your Locker

"I really like the locker because you can customise it and make it the way you want it to be!"

Your Locker is your own private space. It’s where your ChildLine email is kept. It also allows you to use 1-2-1 chat, track your mood and save any pictures you’ve created in the play section.
Find out more about the Locker.