Involving young people
ChildLine’s young people’s groups
Who are they?
Three young people’s advisory groups currently exist in ChildLine. Each has been set up aimed at the 11-25 age group, although current membership is mainly in the 11-19 age bracket. Each group has between 12 and 25 members. Participants come from a range of backgrounds. Some attend schools that have contact with
CHIPS, through peer support, work experience or special projects, whereas others were new to ChildLine, recruited via flyers or over the Internet.
ChAT (ChildLine Advisory Team) are a group of young people from across London and the Home Counties. ChAT has been in existence since July 2004.
CHUD (ChildLine United) are a group of young people from across North Wales. CHUD has been in existence since July 2005.
Youth Advisory Team are a group of young people in Scotland, mainly in the Glasgow area. This group has been in existence since July 2006. The groups represent an opportunity to integrate the voices of children and young people into ChildLine's governance as well as its everyday activities.
How do the groups work?
The different groups differ a little in their formats. However typically, meetings have followed a pattern whereby training in communication skills and group work takes place in the morning, followed by a boardroom style meeting in the afternoon. Meetings generally take place once a term, however the Scottish group have opted for more frequent but shorter meetings.
What have they consulted on?
The groups have been consulted on a number of issues. For example, so far they have fed into the CHIPS 18th birthday event and the work we do on the helpline. ChAT members also devised and ran a skill-sharing workshop for young people at the Whipsnade 18th birthday event.
Members of all the groups also became involved in a mystery calling project to test responses to callers on the helpline. The project provided incredibly valuable feedback to ChildLine, which has resulted in revising issues such as training and procedures.
Want to get involved?
We know that young people want to make their voices heard and often come up with innovative ideas for change. Involving young people in ChildLine’s work means that we can make sure that we’re providing them with the kind of services they want, and getting involved with a group is also a great chance for our members to learn new skills and make new friends.
If you would like to find out more about this kind of work at ChildLine, then email getinvolved@nspcc.org.uk
Copyright © 2006 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.