CHILDREN are contacting Childline over fears about coronavirus affecting their mental health – and now NSPCC Scotland wants key worker status for their counsellors after 167 children called them in one week.
Counsellors in the Glasgow office spoke to 80 children who were anxious about the outbreak, between March 16 and 22, with the Aberdeen base counselling 87.
Among the concerns raised were struggles accessing mental health support, problems caused by isolation and arguments at home.
One teenage girl told a counsellor: “I feel really anxious, upset and lonely. The news has made my mental health worse but my CAMHS appointment has been cancelled and school has closed.
“I’m stuck at home having a horrible time because my sisters are bullying me because I’m autistic.”
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Across the UK, the helpline said 913 children and young people had contacted them over coronavirus fears, with calls hitting a peak of 121 on March 18 – the day Boris Johnson confirmed UK schools would close. Girls aged between 12 and 15 were the most likely to call with concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic.
NSPCC Scotland said it is in talks with the Scottish Government and local authorities to give Childline staff key worker status to help support children through the outbreak.
Leanne Ferries, Aberdeen Childline service manager, said: “Our staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to keep Childline running, and in this public health emergency it’s never been more important for children to have somewhere to go to get advice and support.
“Coronavirus is in the news constantly, causing some young people to be anxious, particularly those who are already coping with other issues in their lives. Things are being made even more difficult for them by schools closing, being confined to their homes and not being able to see their friends. That is why it is vital that a service like Childline is there throughout this crisis, always ready to listen and help. Keeping children safe and providing them with a space to talk about their concerns is our number one priority.”
READ MORE: Chief constable urges Scots to follow coronavirus guidance or risk arrest
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has said the treatment of some cancer patients “may have to change” as the NHS battles against coronavirus.
She stressed the treatment of those suffering from cancer has been a “priority” despite the pandemic.
While Freeman said “vital cancer services will remain in line with clinical priority”, she added that “for some cancer patients, treatment and management plans may have to change over the coming weeks and months due to the new risks associated with Covid-19”.
The Health Secretary, answering a written question at Holyrood, said patients must be told clearly about any changes and these “should never compromise patient care and outcomes”.
A new information leaflet is being prepared for cancer patients, and Freeman said guidance on the treatment of those suffering from the disease would be kept under review by the National Covid-19 Cancer Treatment Response group.
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