Dame Esther, who set up Childline in 1986, visited Aberdeen to give her thanks to volunteers
Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen visited the helpline’s Aberdeen base to give a special thank you to 100-year-old Norman Hutchison, who is the charity’s oldest volunteer.
Since opening in 2004 Childline Aberdeen has conducted 149,175 counselling sessions with young people who need help with issues including bullying, family relationships and suicidal thoughts.
In the last year alone 13,841 counselling sessions have been carried out by the Aberdeen staff and volunteers.
Dame Esther, who set up Childline in 1986, visited Aberdeen to give her thanks to volunteers of the vital service which helps and supports young people around the clock and to kick off the celebrations of the 15th year anniversary of the base.
One of those she met was Norman, who lives in Dyce and started volunteering in 2004 and currently provides administrative support at the base.
Norman said: “I started volunteering with Childline in 2004 when I signed up to become an admin support volunteer.
“I really enjoy going into the base and I know it is something worthwhile because it frees up skilled people to do their jobs.
“Some of the things happening to children is shocking, that’s why it’s so important that Childline is there.”
In his 15 years volunteering with Childline, Norman admits he has been impressed by the dedication of Childline staff in training new volunteer counsellors.
He added: “I have been amazed at the amount of time it takes to train a volunteer up to be a counsellor, I would never have dreamed it would be so long.
“But the nature of Childline’s work is that counsellors need to understand so much, and that means training.
“I wonder if there are any other voluntary organisations that put in so much time to training volunteers.
“The service is always in need of volunteers – and it would be good if more men volunteered.
“It was great to meet Esther again today. I would like to encourage Esther to continue the wonderful work she does for Childline.
“I got a lovely message from her wishing me happy returns on my 100th birthday which was very nice.”
Dame Esther Rantzen added: “It was wonderful to meet Norman, Childline’s oldest volunteer, as he celebrates his 100th birthday.
“It’s only right to thank the volunteers who give up their valuable time to be there to listen to and support those in need.
“Childline Aberdeen has been a real flagship for our charity and it’s an honour to visit for the 15th anniversary of the base opening.
“So many young people have mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, without Childline they would have nowhere else to turn to and would suffer in silence.
“Childline wouldn’t be able to function without the wonderful support of our volunteers, who show true warmth and compassion by making such a difference to children’s lives.
“There is still a huge demand from children, day and night, seeking help and it’s crucial we have trained and dedicated volunteer counsellors available to listen and support those in need.”
