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Children counselled by ChildLine about suicide triples

The number of suicidal children counselled by ChildLine has tripled in the last five years to an average of nearly 60 a week the NSPCC reveals today (23 March 2009).

One in 14 is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical care.

Last year, nearly 3,000 children phoned ChildLine1 because they were feeling suicidal. Some said they had attempted suicide, while others made attempts while on the phone to a counsellor.

Head of ChildLine, Sue Minto says: "It is heartbreaking to listen to children talk of wanting to consider suicide. For a suicidal child, ChildLine can literally be a lifeline. Our counsellors are trained to deal with suicide calls so they can assess the danger and how best to help."

Since ChildLine joined with the NSPCC in 2006, the helpline has been expanded and answers more calls from children and young people than ever before. Even so, ChildLine is still unable to answer one in three calls.

In response, the NSPCC is urgently calling on the public to donate to its Child's Voice Appeal.(4) The charity needs to raise an extra £50 million over the next three years, in addition to £30 million already pledged by the UK Government, so that ChildLine can try to answer every call for help.

Sue Minto says: "Children need ChildLine more than ever. We desperately need public support to help save young lives and be there for more children."

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