Culture Minister Promotes ChildLine Across Arts

Culture and Arts Minister Carál Ní Chuilín is encouraging all organisations that work with young people to promote the ChildLine Number - 0800 1111 - across Northern Ireland.

She said: "I am very pleased to be able to promote ChildLine across the culture, arts and leisure sectors. Child protection across these sectors is very important. I would like to see every child participating in these activities to have access to the ChildLine number 0800 1111 where they can get additional help and support for any issue that’s worrying them.

"It is the duty of every organisation working in this sector to put in place safeguards to protect the children they are working with to establish a culture of safety to ensure young people’s voices are heard. It is also vital that young people know that they can seek help from ChildLine."

Neil Anderson, Head of Service for the NSPCC, Northern Ireland said: "Thousands of children enjoy taking part in a wide range of culture, arts and leisure activities every week in the north of Ireland. These activities are a great opportunity for fun and help to develop their personal, social and physical skills. The activity groups, clubs and sports organisations they attend all have a duty of care towards the welfare of every child both in terms of being a safe environment and in ensuring that young people know they have someone to turn to if they have a concern.

"Staff and volunteers who work with children are well placed to make a real difference for vulnerable young people who need someone to turn to. Although many young people would prefer to turn to other young people for support, it is the responsibility of adults within a club to ensure that no young person feels they have to carry any burden alone."

(IT/CD)