About Childline

Childline is yours – a free, private and confidential service where you can be you. Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, however you want to get in touch. We're here for you online, on the phone, anytime.

On this page

Who we are

Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you.

Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. You can talk to us on the phone, by email or through 1-2-1 counsellor chat. Whatever feels best for you. 

6 facts about Childline:

  • we were started in 1986 by Esther Rantzen
  • we help any young person in the UK
  • you can talk to us in English or Welsh
  • we can help with anything – from abuse and bullying to exam stress and relationships
  • calling Childline is free and doesn’t show up on the phone bill
  • in 2006 we joined the NSPCC to help even more young people.

they made me feel
important
and like my worries
mattered

Need to talk? Get in touch

Who are the Childline counsellors?

Our counsellors are trained staff and volunteers. All sorts of people become Childline counsellors. They could be 16 or 60. They could be gay or straight –  or anywhere in between. They come from lots of different backgrounds and places.  

What they all have in common is they want to help young people. 

They're real people who want to support you with any issue you’re facing. They're trained but they don't follow a script. If you want to, you can ask them their name. 

A Childline counsellor:

  • will listen to you 
  • knows it takes courage to contact us
  • is genuine, open and friendly
  • knows about the problems young people can face
  • won't judge you or put you down
  • isn’t easily shocked
  • will let you take your time.

Contacting Childline

feedback and complaints

We always want to hear anything you have to say about us. You can give us feedback or make a complaint by:

Find out more about how you can get involved. 

Childline on other websites

Follow our Facebook page and YouTube channel for advice and discussion on lots of different topics.

But it's really important to remember 2 things about Childline online:

  • we can't give counselling on our social networks - if you need some support, talk to our counsellors on the phone or through our website.
  • our counsellors will never approach you online and tell you they're a counsellor or try to talk to you - if someone does this to you, tell us straight away by contacting a counsellor.

Sometimes we work with other organisations and you may see our logo on other websites. But please remember that you can only get help from Childline counsellors on our website.