Researchers to review Childline’s response to children at risk of suicide
Fiona Simpson
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Childline’s response to children at risk of suicide is set to be reviewed as part of a research partnership with the University of Birmingham.
The NSPCC-funded research programme will enable experts at Birmingham's Institute for Mental Health and the Centre for Applied Psychology to explore the best way to provide effective help and support to children who contact the charity through its Childline service, the university has said.
The partnership has been set up in response to increasing numbers of children contacting Childline with concerns about mental health difficulties and suicide.
During the height of lockdown - between March and the end of May - counsellors delivered around 17,000 sessions to children concerned about their mental health and wellbeing and suicide.
Over a three month period, researchers will review existing policies and practices, and carry out focus groups and interviews with frontline staff.
The partnership will also draw on the work of other charities, looking at examples of best practice adopted by organisations operating helpline services for children and young people.
All the evidence will be used in co-production workshops with NSPCC staff, members of the research team and members of a youth advisory group to create a series of best-practice approaches for the charity.
Shaun Friel, head of Childline said: “Over the past 30 years since Childline started the topics children and young people seek support from our staff and volunteer counsellors has changed. We want to make sure that we are learning from current research and good practice to provide the best support possible to those accessing our services.”
Dr Maria Michail, senior fellow in the Institute for Mental Health at the University of Birmingham, added: “We know that mental health problems including depression and anxiety are increasing among young people.
“Suicide rates among people under 25 are also increasing. The NSPCC does vital work in providing support to thousands of young people each year and we are looking forward to supporting them as they seek to adapt and improve their service.”
