With the festive period drawing near, Worcestershire Guildhall is among several West Midlands landmarks going green to show support for Childline.

The counselling service, run by the NSPCC, aims to show support for children and youth during the festive season.

During the 12 days of Christmas, from Christmas Eve to January 4, Childline carried out 5,501 counselling sessions, an average of 450 sessions daily, with volunteers working relentlessly, including Christmas Day.

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The service identified a seven per cent rise in issues related to family relationships as compared to the previous year.

Childline is aware that while this is a joyous season for many children spending time with family members, some find it a challenging period.

On the longest night of the year, a host of landmarks in the West Midlands, including Worcester's Guildhall, will be illuminated in green.

It will serve as a reminder that Childline aims to reach out to the younger generation in their darkest hours.

The service emphasises that the holiday season often results in extended family time, which can potentially lead to heightened tensions and exacerbate existing issues, leaving many children feeling isolated and distressed.

Some of the family-related issues brought to Childline last Christmas include increased family conflict, dealing with Christmas without absent loved ones, concerns about increased drinking by parents or carers, guilt or worry about the financial burden imposed by the festive season, and struggling with food or body image issues.

One 14-year-old girl who contacted Childline said: "I feel I have no-one who I can talk to or who can help me.

"I’m constantly arguing with my mum and we have screaming matches every week."

Mr Shaun Friel, Childline director, said: "At Childline, our trained counsellors know that sadly not every child feels happy over the Christmas period.

"The festive season can be a high-pressured time for families, and we hear from thousands of children."

To support the work of Childline during this season, make a contribution to the Christmas appeal by visiting the NSPCC website.

You can also participate in the Walk for Children and walk five kilometres on Friday, December 22.

Children can contact Childline on 0800 111 or childline.org.uk.