Menu
26/02/2007
Childrens charity appeals for mental health support
The NSPCC has called for urgent action to support Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Northern Ireland.
This news comes as the charity, which runs ChildLine, has revealed that some young children attempted suicide while trying to contact the helpline.
Paddy Shannon, from ChildLine NI, said that around 550 young callers – some as young as eight-years-old – were depressed, suicidal, had suffered sexual and physical abuse, eating disorders and had other mental problems.
“Some rang the 24-hour helpline while attempting to take their own life and others said they had already tried to kill themselves and were thinking of trying again,” he said.
Mr Shannon said that although they were able to give immediate support, it was obvious some who called with more severe problems would need intensive therapeutic support over a period of time.
“At the moment, there are simply not enough therapeutic services for children with these problems and we are urging the government to give this issue urgent attention.”
Of all the calls received, around three quarters came from girls.
However, statistics have shown the suicide rate among men is double that of females leading the charity to appeal for more resources to target males in particular.
(JM/SP)
This news comes as the charity, which runs ChildLine, has revealed that some young children attempted suicide while trying to contact the helpline.
Paddy Shannon, from ChildLine NI, said that around 550 young callers – some as young as eight-years-old – were depressed, suicidal, had suffered sexual and physical abuse, eating disorders and had other mental problems.
“Some rang the 24-hour helpline while attempting to take their own life and others said they had already tried to kill themselves and were thinking of trying again,” he said.
Mr Shannon said that although they were able to give immediate support, it was obvious some who called with more severe problems would need intensive therapeutic support over a period of time.
“At the moment, there are simply not enough therapeutic services for children with these problems and we are urging the government to give this issue urgent attention.”
Of all the calls received, around three quarters came from girls.
However, statistics have shown the suicide rate among men is double that of females leading the charity to appeal for more resources to target males in particular.
(JM/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 May 2022
Finance Minister To Ensure Energy Payments Are Made In NI
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that he is committed to working with Treasury to ensure the Energy Bills Support Scheme will provide assistance to citizens here given the absence of an Executive.
Finance Minister To Ensure Energy Payments Are Made In NI
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that he is committed to working with Treasury to ensure the Energy Bills Support Scheme will provide assistance to citizens here given the absence of an Executive.
22 November 2022
Successful Project To Improve Traveller Health And Wellbeing
A project to improve the health and wellbeing of the Traveller community and improve relations with settled communities has been successfully completed by Belfast City Council and partners.
Successful Project To Improve Traveller Health And Wellbeing
A project to improve the health and wellbeing of the Traveller community and improve relations with settled communities has been successfully completed by Belfast City Council and partners.
11 August 2022
UUP Welcomes Commitment To Energy Bill Support Scheme
The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed a renewed commitment from the Chancellor of the Exchequer that equivalent support under the energy bills support scheme will be delivered to households in Northern Ireland East Belfast MLA and Communities Spokesperson, Andy Allen, said: "Since the energy bills support scheme was announced by the then Chancello
UUP Welcomes Commitment To Energy Bill Support Scheme
The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed a renewed commitment from the Chancellor of the Exchequer that equivalent support under the energy bills support scheme will be delivered to households in Northern Ireland East Belfast MLA and Communities Spokesperson, Andy Allen, said: "Since the energy bills support scheme was announced by the then Chancello
19 February 2018
Vulnerable Man Escapes Injury After Petrol Bomb Attack In Banbridge
Police have launched an investigation after the home of a vulnerable young man was attacked with a petrol bomb in Banbridge, Co Down. The man, who has severe learning disabilities, was woken by the sound of his bedroom window smashing in the early hours of Sunday, 18 February.
Vulnerable Man Escapes Injury After Petrol Bomb Attack In Banbridge
Police have launched an investigation after the home of a vulnerable young man was attacked with a petrol bomb in Banbridge, Co Down. The man, who has severe learning disabilities, was woken by the sound of his bedroom window smashing in the early hours of Sunday, 18 February.
07 March 2019
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
