ChildLine reveals plan to close three bases

Proposals have been made for three ChildLine bases to close across the UK, the BBC has learned.

ChildLine, which is part of the NSPCC, provides a confidential telephone and online counselling service to children and young people.

The NSPCC said it had proposed closing the Edinburgh, Exeter and Leeds bases, with the Leeds office set to move to the NSPCC base in the city.

The NSPCC said "no final decisions have been taken".

The relocated Leeds outfit would only provide an online service, it said.

It said the proposals had come about following a review into how ChildLine operates across its 14 bases in the UK.

Staff at the three bases have been briefed.

The NSPCC said: "ChildLine is transforming its counselling services to meet a growing demand for help from children, particularly those making contact online.

"Following this review, we are proposing to close our centres in Edinburgh and Exeter.

"We are also proposing to increase the number of ChildLine volunteers in the remaining centres over the next five years."