Donations Archives - Childline Thailand

Calling for Help: Thailand’s Mental Health Crisis

Childline — Thu, 14 May 2020 10:07:02 +0000

On the 13th May 2020 Thailand recorded no new COVID-19 cases, somewhat of a miracle considering our proximity to the outbreak source and the numbers of travellers entering Bangkok in the midst of the pandemic. It may be contained, for now, but these are still troubling times and two months of business and school closures have dealt a blow to some of Thailand’s poorest families. Of the 27 million people that registered for the government handout of 5000THB ($156) 16 million were approved but many of those confirmed are yet to receive the money. For those living on the poverty line, the sudden decline of tourism, closing down of commerce, services, bars and restaurants has had a dire financial effect.

Economic hardship can lead to strains on family relationships and children are all too often affected by parents suffering from frustration, desperation and depression. Childline Thailand’s Call Centre recently gave counselling to a teenager via social media; the youths family’s small business was losing money due to COVID-19 restrictions and they were feeling helpless. During the conversation it was revealed that financial pressure was causing suffering to their parents:

“Last night my father said that we should kill ourselves. We have received no support and the bank is calling everyday. We’ve had to sell all the possession in our house, we’re at the bottom of the sea- there’s nothing left”

A recent study by Chiang Mai University’s Humanities Faculty attributed as many as 38 suicides in Thailand to Coronavirus. This week a man in Pattaya climbed onto power lines and threatened to jump (Bangkok Post, 12th May), on 28th April a 59 year old woman drank a bottle of rat poison outside the Ministry of Finance and two university students died after jumping off a Bangkok bridge in a ‘Covid 19 related pact’ (Thethaiger 6th April).

Childline Thailand has seen an increase in calls during the last three months, from an average of 614 calls and chat sessions per month in 2019 to a record high of 2235 in April 2020. Calls and messages related to mental health now count for 26% of all requests for help. In a recent survey by UNICEF it was discovered that “Eight in 10 young people surveyed have said they are deeply worried about their family’s income and financial status.” This is a disturbing trend and one that is likely to continue in the coming months as the aftermath of COVID-19 is felt. We must prioritize the mental health of our children and make vital support services like Childline available for those who are ‘calling for help’.

For further information please contact info@childlinethailand.org

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New Challenges for Charities during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Childline — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 05:43:32 +0000

The unprecedented Coronavirus outbreak has shocked the world and everyone has been forced to make rapid adjustments to their lives. All areas of society are adapting to the new circumstances and charities are no exception. Covid-19 has put additional pressure on organisations offering mental health support. There has been a sharp global increase in calls to helplines; in Canada the Kids Help Phone foundation recorded a 70% surge in calls and texts, with many children worried about the virus and struggling with isolation. Childline in the UK has seen a “sharp rise in the number of calls” whilst in India the Childline Helpline received 92,000 SOS calls in 11 days, mostly from children requesting protection from abuse and violence.

Meanwhile in Thailand, the Child Rights Coalition surveyed 28 member charities and found that many were deeply concerned about the social and economic impact of Covid19. Childline Thailand runs a call centre that normally averages approximately 600 calls and messages each month. In the days after the lockdown begun in April the centre has so far counselled 1195 children (1st- 21st April 2020). For a small charity this increase has put additional pressure on staff and funding and the foundation doesn’t receive any government support.

Childline Thailand’s centre for children in street situations (The Hub Saidek) has also seen a rise in demand for its services, with more children visiting the centre for support. In response the charity created an emergency appeal to provide Survival Boxes to homeless children which contain masks, soap and gel. The Hub also provides daily meals, showers and mental health support for 110 youths.

In times of crisis it’s really important to know that “there is someone there that cares” Childline and the Hub that “someone” for children. We care, we are there 24/7, and we are are always ready to help.

CTF Director Ilya Smirnoff

Whilst life has been inconvenienced for most of us, it is the most vulnerable members of society that will suffer the most. Childline helplines around the world provide a free service to millions of children and they require support to remain viable.

Please donate to Childline Thailand’s Covid-19 campaign https://childlinethailand.org/survival-box/

Facebook @Childlinethailand

Twitter, Instagram, Line @saidek1387

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AustCham Donation

Childline — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 07:06:27 +0000

Childline Thailand Foundation (CTF) wish to thank the Australian- Thai Chamber of Commerce for the generous donation they made in December 2019. AustCham is one of the most active foreign chambers in Thailand. Their extensive network has been growing since 1977 and over the years the Chamber has influenced the development of two-way trade between Thailand and Australia. They also run an active community services program which contributes to a range of social and charitable programs.

The donation of 163,000 THB will be used to fund our ‘Hub’ centre for children in street situations. 55,000 THB will be used to buy a large air conditioning unit that will help to keep our facility cool during the summer. Our staff are especially grateful for this, it will be of long term benefit and more economical than our current system. The other funding raised will be used to buy 600 kg of rice, milk and baby formula, providing essential needs to young families over the course of one year.

The presentation of the cheque was conducted on 4th December during a Christmas Reception at The Ambassador’s Residence, the Australian Embassy. CTF look forward to further projects within the Australian- Thai community and we trust that AustCham will have a prosperous 2020 helping businesses and communities across the country.

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