In the Community

Marie Williams and Childline

Hi, I am Marie Williams. You may have seen my details under the "Temporary Division" of "Meet the Team".

I wanted to share with you something that is very dear to my heart that I do outside of work.

There are many children in the world who feel alone, scared, anxious, and worried; they may be a victim of physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse, or they may be bullied on a regular basis and have no one who they can talk to, or who truly listens to what they have to say. This is what led me to enquire about becoming a volunteer telephone counsellor at Childline.

A number of the qualities that are required to be a telephone counsellor are incorporated in my role at work; such as, having excellent listening skills, being respectful and non-judgmental, and ensuring I am being clear and honest about what I can offer and not making 'empty promises.'

I completed the 13 week training course in December 2009 and I am now pleased to say that I am giving 1 evening per week, from 5.45pm to 9.45pm, to help young people in need of support. I absolutely love the work that I do at Childline; it is extremely rewarding, and actually quashes the negative image the media continuously promotes about young people in this country. There are many bright, intelligent, caring, and respectful children in our society, it is just that few of us get to see or hear about them.

If anyone reading this is interested in knowing more please do not hesitate to call me on 0115 9799806 or email marie@elizabethmichael.co.uk; alternatively visit www.childline.org.uk