NSPCC CYMRU is appealing for volunteers to join its North Wales Childline team supporting children and young people, whatever their worry or concern.
In 2023/24, Childline provided 188,000 counselling sessions, on the phone and online, to children and young people across the UK and Channel Islands.
During Welsh Charities Week ( November 25-29) , the NSPCC are highlighting the role of their volunteers at NSPCC Cymru, who come from all walks of life. Here former soldier Jan Dock explains how her experiences led her to join the NSPCC’s Prestatyn Childline base.
Jan, who lives in Old Colwyn, spent 22 years in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineering as a vehicle electrician and mechanic and, as she rose through the ranks, found herself carrying out more responsibilities under the army’s “implied tasks for soldiers” rule, similar to welfare matters in civilian life.
Working with soldiers aged 17 upwards Jan was appointed a Notifications Officer, which involved breaking bad news to next of kin and dealing with issues including bullying, robbery, rape, suicide attempts, bereavement, and confidence building.
Jan was also responsible for service personnel’s families, especially when based abroad, liaising with spouses and children.
Outside the army, Jan qualified as Lifestyle, Fitness and Motivation coach and scuba diving instructor and is currently the welfare officer for the Martial Arts and Krav Maga Academy in Llandudno.
After retiring Jan felt she wanted to contribute something to society, and realised she had a range of experience that could be adapted to volunteering and so approached Childline.
She said: “I’d seen some distressing situations in conflict zones and the desperate situations people, especially children, can find themselves in no matter how resilient they are.
“I also needed a period of counselling myself to help me readjust, so I know first-hand the value of having someone to talk to and I appreciate the help and support agencies we have in this country that are often lacking in other societies.”
Around the UK Childline receives a call every 45 seconds and Jan took her first call as a Childline counsellor in 2018.
The 12-week training teaches listening skills and how to ask questions that will encourage children and young people to talk to volunteers.
Volunteers work alongside staff counsellors and are supervised by a team of professional managers.
Jan said: “The training enhances listening skills and encourages dialogue. We also learn to use non-judgemental vocabulary and how to be alert to people’s feelings and concerns.
“I think you need to come to volunteering with an open mind. My training and experience at Childline have helped me in interactions, not only with the young people, but with people in general.
“I believe many people have the skills and experience to make ideal volunteers. To know that a young person has had someone to talk to and that you’ve helped make a difference for them is so rewarding. That’s what keeps me going.”
For more information about volunteering at Prestatyn or Cardiff, visit the NSPCC website.
Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC Helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, email [email protected] or visit the NSPCC website for advice.
