A Glasgow Childline volunteer has spoken of his experience taking on Christmas Day shifts to support children struggling during the festive period.
Eoin Carey, 36, has been a volunteer counsellor with the NSPCC’s Childline service at the Glasgow base for a year. After becoming a father six years ago, the photographer, who had never spent much time around children before, discovered that he felt comfortable talking with young people and enjoyed their company.
He decided to become a volunteer counsellor and now does regular shifts answering phone calls and online chats with children and young people. He did his first festive shift last Christmas Day, starting at 7am.
READ MORE: Uddingston care worker shares joy of spending Christmas Day with residents
He said he felt “really happy” to be able to go in on Christmas Day and said there was “a lovely atmosphere” in the centre.
“We had all made that commitment to be there on such a big day of the year and cheered each other up by making cups of tea and having plenty of treats to share,” said Eoin.
“I had quite a lot of contacts on the day and the main thing I remember was there was a real sense of loneliness from many young people. Many children were missing relatives who couldn’t be there with them on the day because they had passed away or couldn’t travel. Some young people told me their older brothers, sisters or grandparents weren’t with them and they felt sad about that.
“When we think about Christmas we think about young people, that it’s all for them, but many children feel very lonely. There’s an even sharper recognition at Christmas that we are there for children, it really brings home the importance of being a Childline volunteer. To be in a supporting role while families are waking up, presents are being opened, is a real privilege.
“It’s sad that any children need to call us on Christmas Day but there’s an awful lot of expectation. If circumstances don’t allow for a child to celebrate with all the toys, food and a nuclear family, which is what is often portrayed as the ‘norm’, that can make a child feel different and like they don’t fit in.
“This can create a real sense of isolation and loneliness. Recent bereavement of a family member can also make it a very difficult time.”
Eoin believes that some families circumstances will be even harder this Christmas due to the cost-of-living crisis.
He added: “The current level of poverty and hardship means that many families will be struggling to afford basic things such as heating, food and clothes let alone all the extra things.
“We know that money worries can cause stress tension and arguing in the home, which can make children feel unsafe. I think this is something we’ll hear about from a lot of young people this year.”
READ NEXT:
Couple get engaged at George Square in sweet Christmas proposal caught on camera
Heartfelt tributes paid to 'lovely' Airdrie woman found dead in house
Christmas saved for 50 Glasgow families after toy donation helps struggling parents
Adorable moment Glasgow busker hands mic to schoolgirl to perform to Christmas crowds
Lorraine descends into chaos mid-show as little girl tumbles as they film at Glasgow's Elfingrove
