Desperate children feeling the pressures of the credit crunch are making 17,000 calls a week to a helpline.
New figures revealed a massive jump in young people reaching out for support over the first seven months of the year.
The ISPCC said an additional 42,245 calls were answered by volunteers compared to the same period in 2008, many feeling the pressure of financial problems at home.
Director of services Caroline O’Sullivan said more parents are also lifting the phone and appealing for support.
“Families nationwide are under increasing pressure and as a result, more are seeking support,” said Ms O’Sullivan.
“This, coupled with fundraising in the current economic climate, has placed a strain on the ISPCC’s ongoing ability to provide a service for all children who need it.
“The ISPCC is calling on all members of the public to help us meet this challenge.”
The charity said it is working hard to respond to every child who needs a service despite the huge surge in demand this year.
Its 24-hour Childline helpline receives 17,000 calls a week, compared to 13,248 calls a week last year.
Elsewhere, its online support service has had more than 10,000 contacts, up from 4,000 throughout 2008.
Referrals to Childfocus and Teenfocus — for those experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties — is 675, more than last year’s total.
And Leanbh, which supports young people at risk of begging and members of the travelling and immigrant communities, worked with 41 families last year but has seen 35 to date — a 47 per cent rise.
Ms O’Sullivan said: “One positive thing is that families are contacting us asking for support. There is a huge increase in parents themselves saying they are finding it difficult.
“In a number of cases we are working with children who are the parents. Their childhoods are non-existent. It’s heartbreaking.”
Ms O’Sullivan said this year, more than ever, the charity needs volunteers and donations.
“In 2009, we embarked on a new strategy which through our staff and volunteers and the use of web-based technologies, has enabled us to provide a service to more children than ever before,” she said.
“However, given the increasing demands for support in 2009, we quite simply can’t keep up with the demand.
“We know in the next few months we are going to find it difficult to meet demand. When a family wants support, we don’t want to have to say ‘you can’t have it now’.”
PA