Childline calls on the people of Ireland to take time for breakfast and help raise vital funds for Ireland’s only 24hr listening service for children and young people
Rise and shine for Childline: Sydney, Brogan and Reggie Power tuck into a tasty breakfast, kindly sponsored by McCambridge’s Bread
We’ve all seen the ads of happy families laughing and chatting over a leisurely breakfast. So far, so unrealistic. In reality, it can be far from the morning routine in most homes across Ireland. But wouldn’t it be nice to carve out a little time at the start of day to have a family chat over your tea and toast without feeling under pressure?
This May, Childline by ISPCC is calling on families, schools, clubs and workplaces throughout the country to take time for breakfast – to sit, listen and enjoy each other’s company while hosting their own breakfast to support Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service for children and teenagers nationwide.
In recent weeks Childline has seen a dramatic rise in demand for all its services. Since February alone, 145 children have reached out to talk to Childline staff and volunteers about self-harm, and 65 of those are repeat contacts who have then asked for help with suicide ideation.
Children and young people tell ISPCC their concerns through its 24/7 Childline listening service, through its therapeutic services and through its Shield Anti-Bullying programme.
The benefits of breakfast go far beyond simple nutrition. Eating breakfast together provides a great opportunity to check if your children are anxious or worried about anything about the coming day.
When you sign up to host your own Rise and Shine Breakfast, you will receive your own digital pack that includes conversation starter cards designed by our in-house therapeutic experts at Childline that will help you to encourage check-ins with the children and young people in your life.
Research shows that eating family meals together has been linked to children’s overall wellbeing, improved nutrition and protection against eating disorders. It’s also associated with more physical activity and less screen time.
Childline relies on the generosity of the public to raise 65% of its funding to ensure that there is always someone to listen when a child needs to talk. And you can help Childline to continue to be there 24/7 with your own breakfast gathering.
To find out more, go to https://childlinebreakfast.com/
So go on, this May rise and shine for Childline!