ChildLine founder Dame Esther Rantzen visited the charity’s Nottingham home to celebrate its 30th Birthday.
The organisation’s Old Basford headquarters has 170 volunteers but is looking for more to cover its annual Christmas surge in demand.
Dame Esther took time to personally thank the staff and volunteers for work they have done over the years.
She said: “Ever since the Nottingham base opened I have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and commitment of local people both as volunteer counsellors and supporters.
“These wonderful volunteers have listened and helped thousands of children and young people, many of whom had nowhere else to turn.”
More and more stories came out and we had more calls
She also spoke about a spike in demand for ChildLine‘s services following the Jimmy Savile revelations.
She said, “When the Jimmy Savile documentary appeared and more and more stories came out we had more calls to ChildLine.
“We do want them to ring us up, we do want to know if they’re suffering, and share their problems because you know what they say, a problem shared is a problem halved and we can find ways together to help.”
Children across the UK are able to contact the service, and someone calls every 25 seconds.
It is a free confidential line open 24 hours a day, all year round.
Anyone from the age of 16 can volunteer to offer help over the phone.
Gaynor Birnie, manager at the Nottingham base, said: “You don’t need to have formal training or qualifications in counselling to apply as we will provide full training to all successful applicants.
“All you need is a commitment to children and young people, an open mind and an ability to listen and support young people who need to talk.”
You can reach the service either online or by calling 0800 1111.
Video: Dame Esther Rantzen talking about the impact of the Jimmy Savile allegations.
