Parentline Handles 3,500 Calls In Six Months

The majority of the calls received have been from parents and carers of children and young people seeking advice, support and guidance and our qualified and experienced Parent Supports Officers have been doing a tremendous job in lending a listening ear. We have also arranged one-to-one appointments with our support team and social workers to ensure parents and carers are getting the help and support they need.

 

Along with the joy and happiness of being a parent, it can also be challenging at times and our key aim is to let people know that we are at the end of the phone when things are getting too much or if they would like advice on the simplest of issues.”

 

Over the last six months Parentline NI has provided advice and support on a wide range of issues from potty training to coping with sleepless nights, bullying at school to exam stress and financial worries to separation anxiety.

 

“In recent months, we have experienced an increase in calls concerned about behavioural issues, separation and contact issues and low mood, anxiety and the mental health of parents and children. We want parents and carers to remember that we are here for whatever they want to speak to us about, sometimes it’s just having someone to turn to when you need to blow off a bit of steam while you regroup – that’s just as important for the adult as it is for the child,” Pauline concluded.

 

Department of Health Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly said: “Supporting parents, young people and children is one of my Department’s core priorities. Helping parents at the earliest opportunity to manage the many challenges their children face is vital in ensuring all our children and young people grow; develop and enjoy a healthy and happy life. Strong families make resilient children.

 

“This policy focus is reflected in the draft cross-Departmental Family and Parenting Strategy, and I would like to thank all of those who continue to contribute to our policy-making and continue to make a real difference to the lives of families across Northern Ireland. I wish the Parentline NI team every success with this initiative and I look forward to our continued partnership in celebrating parenting, and making a positive difference to the lives our children and young people.”

 

Marie Roulston OBE, Director of Social Care and Children, Health and Social Care Board said: “Parents may face challenges at some time on their parenting journey. The Health & Social Care Board are happy to support this new service, Parentline NI, which has the potential to support all parents in Northern Ireland.  We have no doubt that this regional parenting helpline will be responsive and flexible to ensure that all parents access the support they need in ways that suit them.  We congratulate Children in Northern Ireland and Relate on the good service they have provided in the first six months of this contract and look forward to this service developing in conjunction with the Health & Social Care Board.”

 

Parentline NI is open Monday to Thursday from 9am – 9pm, Friday 9am – 5pm and Saturday from 9am – 1pm and you can call free on 0808 8020 400 or chat online at www.ci-ni.org.uk.

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