Latest news with #Helpline
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow teacher to take on Great Wall of China trek
Angela Sloan, who has lived in Glasgow for nearly 30 years, will take on the challenge this September to raise funds for Childline. It will see her walk 10km a day for five consecutive days along one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Read more: 'Excited and proud': Glasgow headteacher welcomes £2m boost for new school Jules Colin, Martin Whelan, Angela Sloan, Sandra Jones, and Megan Williams (Image: Supplied) Angela, 62, is part of a group of 18 fundraisers calling themselves the "Tartan Trailblazers." She said: "Young people are under more pressure than ever and some of the support services that were in place are either not there anymore or past capacity with long waiting times, so it feels like Childline is needed even more now. "That's why raising money for Childline is so important. "It helps ensure that there is always someone at the end of the phone when a child calls. "While the conversations can be about troubling topics, from my own experience it always feels like the young person has benefited from having someone to talk to in a confidential way.' Angela, who has nearly 40 years of experience in teaching, has volunteered as a Childline counsellor for seven and a half years. She first became interested in volunteering for Childline after meeting NSPCC staff during school visits for workshops such as Speak Out and Stay Safe. The experienced teacher said: "I was winding down my career and went part-time, so I was looking for something else to do and that seemed like a natural fit. "The training is incredible and it's definitely something I am proud of, but the service needs support so it would be amazing if people can donate to our fundraiser." Donations can be made online at Angela has previously completed a 10k run and a coastal walk around the Isle of Arran to support the NSPCC. The Great Wall trek, which includes around 10,000 uneven steps each day, will be her most challenging yet. The trek, organised through travel firm Charity Challenge, along the Ming Dynasty masterpiece, will follow the winding path along the Yan Mountains to the Gubeikou Gateway which takes in the well-known 'heavenly staircase'. Sandra Jones on a previous trek along the Great Wall of China (Image: Supplied) Read more: Thousands of children seeking advice on dealing with anger issues A typical day will start at 7am, with walkers exposed to the elements, rain, and wind, every day. Angela added: "A lot of people can walk that much in one day without a problem, but it's getting up and doing it the next day, and the day after that, that's going to be the biggest challenge." Funds raised will support NSPCC services including Childline, the adult Helpline, and educational programmes such as Talk PANTS and Speak Out Stay Safe, which strive to help stop child abuse and neglect.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- The Hindu
Two students end lives in separate incidents in Salem
A college student and a Class X student ended their lives, in separate incidents, allegedly after being scolded by their parents for playing games on mobile phones at Veeraganur in Salem district on Sunday. M. Rishkesh, 15, of Puliyankurichi, a student of a private school in Thalaivasal, was reportedly warned by his parents for playing games on mobile phone. He took the extreme step on Sunday night while they were away. Likewise, K. Dhanush, 18, a first-year college student, also ended his life on Sunday night. The Veeraganur police have registered cases and are investigating. (Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available through the State's Health Helpline at 104 and Sneha's Suicide Prevention Helpline at 044-24640050.) Restoration of train services The Arakkonam–Salem–Arakkonam MEMU trains, which were temporarily cancelled, will resume services on May 20. A release from the Salem Railway Division said Train No. 16087 Arakkonam–Salem MEMU (operating five days a week, except Saturdays and Sundays), departing from Arakkonam at 5.15 a.m. and arriving at Salem Junction at 10.50 a.m., will resume service on May 20. Similarly, Train No. 16088 Salem–Arakkonam MEMU (operating five days a week, except on Saturdays and Sundays), departing from Salem Junction at 3.30 p.m. and reaching Arakkonam at 8.45 p.m., will also resume service on May 20, the release added.
Hans India
17-05-2025
- Hans India
Fifteen complaints just in weekdays: SP Akhil Mahajan
Adilabad: Cyber criminals are using new methods to cheat people in the present society said superintendent of police Akhil Mahajan. He said that cyber crimes can be stopped only with the awareness and alertness of people. He said that at present, the APK files on social media on Telegram on WhatsApp are like mobile control in the hands of cybercriminals and vigilance is the main tool to prevent them. If you are cheated by fraudsters, the first duty is to immediately complain to the National Cyber Crime Helpline Number 1930 or the cybercrime website. He said that 15 complaints have been received in just a week days. across the district, especially in the wake of new methods being used by cybercrime criminals such as investment fraud, loan fraud, UPI fraud, APK files, fake websites, stock market fraud, etc. Giving an example of the method used by cybercrime criminals, he said that investment rods typically show more money on their own websites than they have invested. In the limits Of Adilabad 1-Town police station, a person was sent a link through Telegram telling the victim that he could earn money by doing business and investment through WhatsApp, and he was told that he should give ratings to hotels, believing that the victim paid about Rs 40,000 through UPI payment. In another incident, cyber criminals took the details of the account from the victim and stole Rs. 21,000 from the victim under the pretext of providing financial assistance to a person in Bela Mandal using the name of a private individual who is popular among the people. Similarly, a report was submitted on behalf of the district police to Instagram with a complaint that a fake account was created on social media Instagram in Adilabad Rural and the person's name was being harassed by making video calls and messages to family members and friends and well-wishers. A person from Jainath Mandal, who had received a loan through Mudra Finance, made a video call and informed the victim to pay some money in advance, and about Rs.22,150 was stolen from him.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Peer-Reviewed Study Confirms California Parent & Youth Helpline™ Boosts Parental Mental Health and Reduces Loneliness
LOS ANGELES, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A groundbreaking new study confirms what California families have long known: when overwhelmed parents reach out to the California Parent & Youth Helpline®, they leave feeling stronger, calmer, and far less alone. Published in the Journal of Technology in Human Services, the peer-reviewed research validates the effectiveness of Parents Anonymous, Inc.®'s Helpline, showing that in under 30 minutes, callers experience significant improvements in mood, engagement, and parenting outlook. The study, led by Liz Harris, PhD, Faculty Associate at Arizona State University, analyzed 281 Helpline calls made between late 2022 and early 2023. Using a novel approach that combined AI-based sentiment analysis with qualitative methods, the research team found that 85% of parents showed improved mood during the call, an especially meaningful finding in a post-pandemic landscape marked by soaring parental isolation. "Helplines have existed for decades, but surprisingly, very little research has explored their actual impact," said Liz Harris, Lead Author and Researcher. "Our study shows that parents' emotional state measurably improves - an improvement we could see through natural language processing analysis, traditional qualitative content coding and rate of speech." Innovative Research, Real ResultsThe team applied natural language processing technology, specifically BART, to measure how parental sentiment shifted throughout each call. They validated the use of BART for this purpose against qualitative coding done by the authors and by trained parent service users. They found that callers' language became more positive, their tone more collaborative, and their pace of speech dropped in half, indicating reduced distress. Key findings include: Statistically significant improvement (p<.001) in parental mood and optimism over the course of each call. 85% of callers left feeling more emotionally balanced. Speech slowed during calls, aligning unconscious vocal cues with the emotional shift measured by AI tools. Over 50% of parents expressed intense loneliness and the Helpline directly helped alleviate that isolation. Callers responded especially well to counselors who validated their efforts, praised their parenting instincts, and offered tailored resources or emotional support. "This is the first study to rigorously validate the use of AI-based tools in evaluating emotional change on a helpline," said Harris. "It's a big leap forward for how the human services field can measure impact without burdening vulnerable callers with lengthy surveys." A Proven Model for Crisis SupportThe research underscores the unique value of the Parents Anonymous model, which prioritizes trauma-informed counseling and ensures all Helpline counselors have formal training or degrees in mental health fields. Now in its fifth year, the Helpline offers free, confidential, 24/7 emotional support in English, Spanish, and over 250+ other languages. With its anniversary approaching on May 9, the service stands as a compelling example of scalable, accessible intervention, especially as child welfare agencies and funders weigh future investments. "We've shown it's possible to make a meaningful difference in a parent's mental state in just one call," said Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin, CEO & President of Parents Anonymous. "And when you reduce parental stress and loneliness, you improve outcomes for children. That's the power of this model." Parents and youth (up to 25) based in California needing emotional support can call the California Parent & Youth Helpline by calling/texting 1-855-427-2736 or through live chat 24/7 at Outside of California? Parents and youth can call/text 855-427-2736 or chat online through For more information about Parents Anonymous® and its programs, visit About Parents Anonymous, over half a century, Parents Anonymous Inc.® has served as a steadfast pillar of support for diverse parents, caregivers and youth across the nation. Since its establishment in 1969, this organization has been at the forefront of developing evidence-based programs dedicated to nurturing the empowerment journey of families. Through the decades, it has furthered its unwavering commitment to empowerment through the establishment of National Parent Leadership Month® every February, its community-based organizations, Weekly Adult and Children & Youth Parents Anonymous Groups®, and its Helpline resources: National Parent & Youth Helpline™ and the California Parent & Youth Helpline®. It is also the only culturally responsive program recognized by The Federal Title IV-E Prevention Clearinghouse that is proven to Effectively Improve Parenting, Enhance Mental Health and Reduce Substance Abuse while Ensuring Child Safety for diverse families and youth of all ages. Learn more at or by following on Facebook or Instagram. Media Contact Aimee Tiberi 395018@ 708.567.4449 View original content: SOURCE Parents Anonymous Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Scoop
09-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Youthline Advocates For Youth Voice On Proposed Social Media Ban
Press Release – Youthline Ronald said this is even more important in the face of rising rates of mental health distress being seen through its national Helpline, and an overstretched mental health system. Youthline, the mental health and development organisation that is strongly 'with youth, for youth,' has genuine concerns that any proposed blanket ban on social media for under 16-year-olds could stop young people from accessing essential mental health support. Shae Ronald, CEO, Youthline, says, 'A ban would remove a critical front door to the mental health system, cutting young people off from free and accessible support. We know this from what we see firsthand and from talking with young people. A ban would also have a major impact on marginalised and rural communities.' She says there is currently no concrete evidence to suggest that a social media ban for under-16-year-olds will be effective, and many potential negative impacts. For example, it risks driving young people to less regulated spaces where there is an increased risk of harm. 'Many young people who reach out to us for counselling or crisis support access our services through social media. That's why we show up in these spaces – it's what young people ask for and importantly, where they want to connect with us. A ban would bluntly cut through these support avenues in the process of trying to reduce harm. Evidence-based approaches are needed to address the complex issues young people face, and that includes social media.' Ronald said this is even more important in the face of rising rates of mental health distress being seen through its national Helpline, and an overstretched mental health system. The Youthline State of the Generation 2023 survey found that 49% of young people surveyed identified social media as one of many big issues facing their generation. Of those, over half went on to explain why, highlighting concerns that were themed as mental health and social challenges, including bullying, body image, peer pressure and racism. However, many young people also see social media channels as the best way to reach them. 'I think we would all agree more needs to be done to ensure that young people are safe and protected from online harm.' Ronald says there is a risk that a blanket ban could create unintended consequences that don't acknowledge the way social media can support youth wellbeing, connect young people, provide a sense of representation, identity and inclusion, and offer valuable resources and help. 'We are advocating for a wider consultation on the whole issue and as a priority, to ensure the voice of young people is heard because they are the cohort most affected. Any solutions need to be grounded in the lived experience of young people in order to be effective, with young people actively involved in shaping the solutions that affect them. Solutions also need to look to the future given the rapidly evolving AI developments. Youthline will put a spotlight on the topic to find out how young people really feel and how they want to be supported as part of its State of the Generation research taking place before the end of the year.* Ronald says young people being protected and safe online is a complex and nuanced issue, and New Zealand should be looking at all of the options available and being considered by other countries, to find an effective solution. 'What we really need is a collaborative and broad approach with greater platform accountability, better tools, education and support for parents and young people, stronger regulation and legislation, and active dialogue that really cuts to the heart of these issues and creates evidence-based solutions. It would be good to see what happens in Australia's evaluation of the impact of the ban and its enforceability.' She says how platforms intervene and prioritise action over harmful content needs to be strengthened, as do swifter protection and action around reported harmful content. 'We know that young people are resourceful and that effective age assurance technologies are yet to be identified. Young people who find loopholes to continue using social media may run into difficulties and be more reluctant to seek help because of a ban. We know that being able to have open dialogue with peers and trusted adults about social media is an important part of how young people learn to navigate social media in safe and healthy ways. There's an assumption that a ban will protect young people, but we know firsthand that the young people reaching out for our help around bullying, online harassment, abuse, and mental health need connection and empowerment to deal with situations where they feel unsafe or to talk about content that is unsafe. This is a key area to direct our collective efforts.' Ronald concluded.
