Valerie Howarth: More needs to be done

Childline receives little funding from the government and gets most of its money from voluntary contributions.

"We would love to get more money and we would be delighted if the government gave us more," said Ms Howarth.

However, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children said it is impossible to answer every call.

Its helpline receives approximately 200,000 calls per year from children. But call levels vary and can increase dramatically after a television or newspaper report or other events.

"You can never respond to all calls. But we need to ensure that over a period of time we have a certain level of service in place," said a spokeswoman.

"But at the same time, it is important that children who call but cannot get through try again. They must try again and again because it is absolutely worth it."

Esther Ranzten, who helped launch Childline 14 years ago, also admitted there was a problem.

She said: "There is no question that we need more money, we need to expand.

"But I don't want this to put children off from calling - we are still there for them."

Ms Howarth shares that view. "Children should just keep pressing the repeat button on the telephone. They will get through."

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