ENNISKILLEN woman Jennifer Magee is among a number of people being recognised as Volunteer Heroes during Volunteers’ Week for her efforts to support the ChildLine Schools Service.
Mother of two Jennifer has been volunteering her time as a ChildLine Schools Service volunteer for two years and is one of more than 400 people in Northern Ireland who regularly undertake a wide range of activities on behalf of the charity.
ChildLine is now appealing for more local people to come forward and volunteer for the Schools Service which aims to help younger children’s understanding of abuse and how they can stay safe.
By using assemblies and workshops delivered by trained volunteers ChildLine helps children recognise situations where they may need help and tells them how to access support, and all sessions are sensitively tailored to ensure topics are covered in a way which is age appropriate.
Jennifer, aged 41, said: “I decided I wanted to take on volunteering role and the opportunity to join the ChildLine Schools Service came up, so I applied and I was successful. The Schools Service provides all the training needed. So here I am two years later!
“I co-deliver assemblies and workshops with another volunteer or the area co-ordinator, a specially built programme to primary school children in year 6 and 7, about different forms of abuse, putting the message across that ChildLine is there for any child.
“That’s the thing I enjoy most about volunteering; letting the children know that Childline is there if they ever need it. It’s also a great feeling to know that if you’ve helped even one child then it is all worthwhile.”
Talking about her own heroes, Jennifer added: “My heroes are definitely my parents, who have been a major influence in my life.”
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