A Childline counsellor from Omagh says she is proud to work through Christmas because “the festive season can be incredibly tough for many children”.
Omagh woman, Eva Czabanik, 30, won’t be wrapping any last minute presents or peeling potatoes this Christmas Eve, instead she will be working in NSPCC’s Childline base in Foyle from 11.30pm until 8am on Christmas morning.
Although that means she will be parted from her fiancé at this festive time, she explains why she considers it a privilege to work through the night talking to children when they need the service the most.
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Eva, who was born and raised in a small town in Slovakia and moved to Omagh in 2013.
“For me, this is a dream job because it means I am able to use my skills but, much more importantly, I am able to help children and young people who often have nowhere else to turn," Eva said.
"I work at the new night service in Foyle and it’s a vital lifeline for many children as they are less likely to have other support available to them at this time and if they are scared, sad or lonely it can all feel so much worse at night.
“We get calls from children about all sorts of things – some are worried about parents losing their jobs, or not being able to pay the bills, or about keeping warm and not having food on the table.
"It’s hardly surprising that children are so worried about the cost of living crisis at the moment.”
Regarding the upcoming Christmas holidays, Eva acknowledges that there will likely be as many calls as any other time of the year.
“The festive season can be so tough for many children and I want to be there for them. To be honest, I don’t mind working over Christmas and because I live in a different country, far away from my home and family, I really do have some understanding about how lonely it can be," she added.
“I think a lot of people assume that Christmas is all about happy families opening presents round the Christmas tree but unfortunately that just isn’t the case for some children, and for so many reasons
"That’s why Childline is so vital, because if they want to talk to us we’ll be there to listen, 24 hours a day and it’s no different at Christmas.
“I am proud to share my Christmas with young people who need our help and a listening ear. I’ll probably be a bit tired after the shift but I look forward to spending time with my fiancé and friends when I finish and we’ll just make some delicious, traditional Hungarian food and take it easy."
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