Omagh Childline volunteer happy to provide listening ear

NOT everyone is fortunate enough to get time off over the festive period, with many others choosing to give up their time and work over what can be a challenging time for families and individuals.

This will include 30-year-old Omagh woman, Eva Czabanik.

She won’t be wrapping any last-minute presents or peeling potatoes this Christmas Eve: Instead, she will be working in NSPCC’s Childline base in Foyle from 11.30pm until 8am on Christmas morning.

And, although it means she will be parted from her fiancé at this festive time, she explains why she considers it a ‘privilege’.

Born and raised in a small town in Slovakia, close to the Hungarian border, Eva went on to graduate from university in Budapest.

She moved to Omagh in 2013, where she lives with her fiancé.

VITAL

The supervisor counsellor said, “For me, this is a dream job because it means I am able to use my skills but, much more importantly, I am able to help children and young people who often have nowhere else to turn.

“I work at the new night service in Foyle, and it’s a vital lifeline for many children as they are less likely to have other support available to them at this time and if they are scared, sad or lonely it can all feel so much worse at night.

“We get calls from children about all sorts of things – some are worried about parents losing their jobs, or not being able to pay the bills, or about keeping warm and not having food on the table.

“It’s hardly surprising that children are so worried about the ‘cost-of-living’ crisis at the moment.”

BUSY

Regarding the upcoming Christmas holidays, Eva acknowledges that the Childline Foyle base will probably be as busy as it ever was.

She said, “I think a lot of people assume that Christmas is all about happy families opening presents around the Christmas tree, but, unfortunately, that just isn’t the case for some children, and for so
many reasons – extra expenses, contact arrangements, increased levels of substance misuse and many more issues which can make the whole holiday period a hard time.

“That’s why Childline is so vital because if they want to talk to us we’ll be there to listen, 24 hours a day and it’s no different at Christmas.”

PROUD

Eva added, “I am proud to share my Christmas with young people who need our help and a listening ear.

“I’ll probably be a bit tired after the shift but I look forward to spending time with my fiancé and friends when I finish and we’ll just make some delicious, traditional Hungarian food and take it easy!”

Childline in Foyle is also currently looking for volunteer counselors for weekly shifts at its Exchange House base.

l If you have any questions about volunteering with Childline Foyle, or would like to sign up to the next information session, please contact volunteer co-ordinator, Amanda Doherty at Amanda.Doherty@NSPCC.org.uk.