The north east Wales college paid for the cost of running all the charity’s UK call centres for 24 hours on GCSE results day
Chief Executive David Jones was joined at Deeside Sixth Form Centre by staff from Childline’s Prestatyn base, as thousands of school pupils across the region picked up their GCSE results.
Cambria donated £30,000 to the One Unforgettable Day appeal – having raised £115,000 for NSPCC Cymru/Wales last year – and chose the landmark date given its importance to teenagers and their families all over the country.
Debs Davis, Childline Services Manager, praised the college for its continued support of the campaign, and said: “Coleg Cambria’s incredible generosity will have an amazing impact on what we do, locally and nationally.
“It’s incredible to receive this huge amount of money to pay for the service UK-wide for a whole day and means we can support and speak to young people at a time when they really need us.
“We have seen an increase in calls in past days from youngsters worried about their results, and around exam season, because it is a stressful time for them and their families.
“With the backing of organisations like Coleg Cambria, we will continue to be here for them.”
She added: “We are always looking for volunteers, switchboard operators and counsellors, so if anyone would like to help please get in touch.
“For students in particular it’s good for your experience and CV, so we hope to hear from you soon.”
Mr Jones visited Childline’s North Wales base in Prestatyn during the summer and met counsellors and volunteers who help young people who call from across the UK every year.
He said: “We were thrilled to have raised so much money for NSPCC Cymru/Wales and Childline, and while the lion’s share of our donation will be spent on services in North Wales, we wanted to do something for teenagers across the UK.
“This is a very challenging time for many of them, and while we care for our students here at Cambria, it’s important to know there is a vital charity out there to listen and help young people when they need it most.”
Des Mannion, Head of NSPCC Cymru/Wales, added: “We would like to thank Coleg Cambria for their amazing efforts during their fundraising exploits last year. Everyone who supported the college has allowed the NSPCC, and Childline, to continue its fight for every childhood.
“It’s essential that we are able to fund Childline properly and all donations mean crucial phone calls or online chats are answered, leading to a brighter future for a young person who may otherwise suffer in silence.”
Last year, Childline carried out more than 8,000 counselling sessions with children from Wales with the most frequent concerns mental and emotional health, family relationships and suicidal feelings.
Cambria’s donation will fund the 12 UK Childline centres in Prestatyn, Cardiff, Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Foyle, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Nottingham.
