So since the end of primary school, I started to be bullied quite a bit and that really affected my self worth
I didn't feel valued, I felt ugly, and this carried on into the start of secondary school. And there was also issues within my family.
My parent's relationship hit rock bottom and my dad is an alcoholic, and that really put a lot of strain and tension on the family.
I bottled things up. I didn't know how to vocalise these feelings, and it all got a bit too much and I didn't know how to deal with it really. And that's when I first contacted Childline. The whole time I was waiting for the counsellor, I kept thinking I'd hang up.
I was just really scared but when I first heard their voice they were really reassuring. They checked I was safe, and we just talked through a lot of things; how I was feeling. To know that I was being listened to, that was a really big stepping stone. To feel that my opinion mattered and I was worthy of asking out for help.
I think the one big thing that I've learnt, that's been so amazing about Childline, is knowing that Childline is always there, even if it's just to listen, and that will help me, through whatever I go through.
I really don't know where I would've been without Childline. I don't want to think about it, I just know that I'd be in a big pit of despair. It would have been a huge downward spiral.
Things would have got worse, and I just wouldn't have known where to turn, or who to turn to. Childline really is a lifeline.
Help us to always be there for children like Sally. If you don't know who to turn to - you can always talk to Childline.
All names have changed to protect identities.
