08/09/2016

Children In NI Contact Childline Almost Every Day With Suicidal Thoughts

Children in Northern Ireland contacted Childline almost every day last year about suicide, according to the NSPCC.

Children aged between 12 and 15 were considered the most at risk.

Girls are six times more likely to contact the charity than boys.

Childline service manager for Northern Ireland Mairead Monds said: "We need to understand that there are children and young people living in Northern Ireland that are experiencing significant mental health problems, self-esteem issues, isolation and feelings of worthlessness.

"These are children who have very little support and who very often feel that life is simply not worth living."

Across the UK the charity carried out an average of 53 suicide counselling sessions a day last year.

(CD)

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