Childline prepares for rise in children reaching out about loneliness

Childline officials say they are expecting to see a rise in the number of children reaching out over loneliness as the summer holidays begin in Northern Ireland.

The NSPCC service, which has bases in Belfast and Foyle, delivered over 4,500 counselling sessions to young people across the UK on the topic from April 2024 to March 2025 – an average of 380 sessions per month.

But in July and August, there was a monthly increase in support provided by Childline about loneliness, with a total of 852 counselling sessions delivered to children and young people across the two months.

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “The summer months should be a time of freedom and joy for children. Sadly, we are seeing at Childline that it can also be a difficult period for some young people, with loneliness setting in after being cut off from school friends and normal routines.

“Loneliness is a challenging thing to contend with and left unaddressed can start to have a wider impact on mental health and wellbeing. It is very important that children or young people who find themselves in this situation during the school holidays, or any other time of year, understand that support is out there for them."

He added: "As well as speaking with one of our trained Childline counsellors, they can also access our Building Connections service, which helps children to find a path to feeling less lonely. Whatever their worry, Childline continues to be here for young people.”

"Childline has also released a series of tips for both adults and children to help cope with loneliness.