Mayo rugby star calls for young people to get talking while walking in new campaign
Irish international rugby star Caelan Doris is putting his best foot forward as he lines up for Childline by ISPCC’s latest fundraising campaign, Let’s Sweat it Together, which was developed in response to the worries of callers to Childline.
The Mayo native understands the importance of sharing worries with loved ones. “Growing up, I was lucky enough to be part of a team that chatted through our worries together – on and off the pitch.
“I am delighted to join Childline on this brilliant campaign and will be making sure that I will be completing my lap and chat with my family and friends, something that will be important for me to offload any worries that come with such a busy season.”
Both walking and talking are good for us but, together, they have added benefits. International research indicates that people with anxious tendencies feel more at ease with the person they were interacting with if they aren’t making eye contact with that person.
Childline is Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service for children and young people, and volunteers have increasingly been hearing callers share their mental health concerns.
From talking to children and young people, worries range from sibling rivalry and differences in music tastes to exam anxiety, confusion about sexuality and self-harming.
This spring, Childline by ISPCC is calling on schools, businesses and individuals to take part in our latest campaign by walking a lap while having a chat with a friend, family member or colleague.
It is the perfect initiative for schools, businesses, friends or family members. Childline by ISPCC listens to school students sharing their worries every day and knows how vital it is for children and young people to share what’s on their mind. Employers are also being encouraged =to give staff time in their workday to get outside and catch up with a friend in work or a family member at home.
We all need time to check in with each other.
Childline provides a supportive listening ear for all those worries and anything else on the minds of our callers.
“If a worry is big to any of our callers, it’s big to us at Childline,” says John Church, ISPCC CEO.
ISPCC needs to raise up to 75% of its funding each year from donations and the charity is grateful for all support which helps ensure its services and supports are available to children and young people all day, every day.
To donate to Childline’s ‘Let’s Sweat it Together’ campaign, which takes place nationwide from March 27 to April 2. or to find out more information on how to sign your school or business up, visit: https://ispcc.enthuse.com/profile.