Childline finds sharp rise in calls for help from suicidal children

There has been a sharp rise in the number of suicidal children seeking help to the 24-hour helpline run by Childline, according to figures published today.

The charity, which is part of the NSPCC, reported a 14 per cent increase in calls from children and young people who were feeling suicidal between 2004-5 compared to the previous year.

Childline is calling on the Department of Health, and Scottish and Welsh governments to do an in-depth study of young suicides and suicide attempts to ensure that children get the help they need.

The charity has set a target of £20 million pounds for its 20th birthday appeal to help it answer calls from thousands more children.