A helpline which offers vital support for children in distress and with nowhere to turn to has warned of a rise in calls in the north east over Christmas.
Figures released by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) show their ChildLine base in Aberdeen dealt with more than 700 counselling sessions from children across the UK last December.
Of this figure, 26% of the children contacting the base in the city were calling due to a family relationship, with a further 178 youths calling after feeling low self-esteem.
Of the figure, 138 children also contacted the counsellors having experienced bullying and cyber-bullying.
The charity is now seeking for donations to help maintain the service throughout the festive period as part of their “Call for Help” appeal.
Elaine Chalmers, ChildLine area manager, said: “Once again this year, hundreds of ChildLine volunteers will be spending Christmas Day not with their families, but seeing the other side of the festive season.
“They’ll be talking to children and young people for whom Christmas can be a truly miserable time, listening to them, providing advice and support and being there for them when they can’t talk to anyone else about what they’re going through.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that ChildLine really could be the difference between life and death for some children this Christmas.
“Please help us be there when they need us most – a donation of just £4 could mean that a child will hear a voice at the end of the phone that lets them know they’re not alone.”
Donations can be made to the Call for Help appeal by texting HOPE to 70744 to donate £4 or through the NSPCC website.