Blues star Seb Larsson gave volunteer counsellors at ChildLine Birmingham a well-earned rest recently by popping in to make them cups of tea.
The Swedish winger took time out from training to reward the counsellors who give up their time for free to answers calls from children from Birmingham and beyond who are in danger or distress.
The visit was part of the Premier League's Places for Players scheme which highlights the good work that top flight clubs do in their local communities.
Seb said: "I wanted to give the counsellors a break from the hard work they do. I've recently become a father myself and I think it's fantastic that ChildLine gives children and young people a place to turn to with their problems.
"ChildLine relies heavily on volunteers - without them the children in desperate need wouldn't be able to get through."
ChildLine Birmingham took over 22,000 calls last year (08-09) but some calls cannot be answered due to lack of resources. The base needs to increase the number of volunteers from 150 to as many as 200 and particularly needs to fill day time shifts on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays between 12 noon and 6pm; from 9pm until 1am on Thursdays; and various shifts onSaturdays from 12pm until 1am.
There is also a need for more male volunteers to match the needs of those who call.
Seb added: "I would urge any men who think they can help fill those shifts to get in touch. There is a real mix of male volunteers here, from builders to architects and people of all ages, which show that anyone who cares for children can make a difference by volunteering."
Volunteer counsellors are given 65 hours of training and are supported by trained supervisors while they answer calls. They are asked to commit to four hours a week.
In September 2008 the NSPCC launched the Child's Voice Appeal which aims to raise £50 million for the expansion of the NSPCC's listening services, which includes the NSPCC Helpline for adults with a concern about a child, as well as ChildLine. Fundraisers in Birmingham need to raise £4.2 million towards developing the NSPCC Helpline and the ChildLine base in Birmingham.
For more information about becoming a volunteer counsellor at ChildLine Birmingham please call Kuljinder Nahal on 0870 336 2915 or email knahal@nspcc.org.uk
For further information about the Child's Voice Appeal visit www.childsvoiceappeal.org.uk or call free phone 0844 892 0562 for support with fundraising.
