MedSIN-RUMS projects

What is ChildLine?

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ChildLine is a free, confidential, 24-hour telephone helpline for children and young people in danger or distress. It provides a confidential phone counselling service for any child with a problem.

How did it all start?

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• In 1986 the BBC programme That's Life, presented by Esther Rantzen, appealed to viewers for their help in conducting a survey on child abuse.
• Three thousand adults completed the BBC questionnaire in which 90% of them recounted the experience of sexual abuse in their childhood.
• Following this astonishing result, a 'Childwatch' team was set up to read the questionnaires. In October 1986, a programme on child abuse called Childwatch launched 'ChildLine'.
• The response was incredible and ChildLine (0800 1111) quickly took root in the minds of children as "their line".

Why is ChildLine so crucial?

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• In the UK, suicide is now the second most common cause of death (after accidents) for young people aged 15-24. Last year 593 people under the age of 24 killed themselves.
• A study (1991) estimated that between 5-20% of women and 2-7% of men had experienced sexual abuse.
• Divorce now ends one in two new marriages and 25% of children will now see their parents divorce.
• ChildLine has counselled more than 650 000 children about all kinds of problems such as...
  physical and sexual abuse; suicide; family problems; bullying; racism; bereavement; pregnancy; AIDS; parental divorce; drug abuse etc.

What is the MedSIN-RUMS ChildLine project?

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A project where we aim to get medical students at RUMS involved with Childline and to become volunteer telephone counsellors...

• Link between Royal Free and University College Medical Students (RUMS) and CHILDLINE.
• ChildLine recruits volunteers on a regularly basis.
• 6-10 first year clinical students to be trained to become volunteer telephone counsellors.
• Volunteers must be members of MedSIN-RUMS (£3 at CSC).
• Training consists of 3.5 hour weekly sessions over 17 weeks in a group of 10-14 people.
• Commitment for minimum of one year after training consisting of a weekly 4-hour shift.
• Time off will be allowed for exams

Progress

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• Links established between RUMS students and ChildLine.
• Co-ordinators both at ChildLine and at MedSIN-RUMS have discussed setting up, management, aims and outcomes of the project.
• The project has been presented at our first seminar, and will continue to be advertised to the target students.

How will the project be run?

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• Co-ordinator will meet with and recruit first year clinical medical students.
• ChildLine co-ordinator to sort out applications and to invite students to an interview.
• Students will be selected on the basis of their application forms and interview.
• Students will begin training at ChildLine HQ in Islington: entails three full days training by ChildLine counsellors in counselling skills and child protection.
• After successful completion of training, students begin their telephone counselling under regular supervision: compulsory commitment of a 4-hour shift per week.
• Supervisions, assessment and support continuously given by experienced volunteer counsellors.
• Continuous training is available on various topics including child abuse, bereavement, bullying etc.
• At the end of the clinical year students have the choice of whether they wish to continue.

Future

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• New co-ordinators established for the following year.
• Long term aim is to encourage other MedSIN groups in the UK to establish this project.

What are the benefits to medical students?

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• They learn and develop their counselling skills.
• Certificates in ChildLine training.
• They can develop their understanding and knowledge of childrens' problems.
• They are able to listen to distressing and painful problems; dealing with feelings of helpfulness as well as helplessness.
• They learn how to receive and give feedback.
• They will learn to work individually and as part of a committed team.
• They are able to record calls accurately and concisely.
• They will learn de-briefing skills.
• They can use their new/developed skills in clinical settings.

What are the benefits to Childline?

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• Recruit more volunteers. Every day 15 000 attempted calls are made to ChildLine but lack of funds and volunteers means only 3500 of these calls are answered.
• To impart knowledge to health professionals.
• To increase ChildLine awareness in medical schools e.g. giving seminars.
• To establish links with other MedSIN groups/medical schools in UK.

Contact details

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• MedSIN-RUMS Childline Project Co-ordinator:

• Childline Co-ordinator: