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Asker

To Sam

Calling childline

i have a few issues that I really want to talk to someone about and as I feel lonely, I thought childline would be a good option. However, once I get past te switchboard part of the call, I always hang up as I don't know what to say and how to say it. I really need to talk to someone  so please can you help me build up the courage to talk to a child line councillor?
Ask Sam

Sam

Hi there,

Thank you for being brave enough to write to me. It seems like there are things that you wanted to share with a counsellor.

It's not always easy to talk about personal things like feelings. Lots of children and young people may have to call ChildLine a few times before finding the courage to speak with a counsellor. Sometimes people choose to stay silent for their first few calls – we don’t mind it at all when people do this. If staying silent helps you to talk when you’re ready, then that’s okay with us.

ChildLine counsellors understand how difficult it can be and will want to support you in any way they can. You may even want to start a call by saying how difficult you’re finding it to talk – the counsellor will be happy to help you.

Before you call, think how you would like ChildLine to help you. This will let the counsellor understand things a bit more and will mean they can help you in the best way. It could help to think about some of the worries or feelings you would like to talk about and write them down. This could then be a guide when you call.

If calling is difficult, there are other ways you can speak to a counsellor. As well as phoning 0800 1111, you could log in for a 1-2-1 chat with a counsellor or send an email.

The message boards are very popular and you may find them helpful to see what other young people are talking about. You may even want to start a thread asking what other people's experiences are and what helped them to build up the courage to talk.

Good luck and take care,
Sam

Need help straight away?

You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.

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