A former soldier has become a Childline volunteer, using her past experiences to support young people.

Ahead of Welsh Charities Week (November 25-29), NSPCC Cymru is spotlighting the contribution of its volunteers.

Among them is Jan Dock, a former soldier, who explains how her military background led her to volunteer at the NSPCC's Prestatyn Childline base.

Ms Dock, residing in Old Colwyn, served 22 years in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineering as a vehicle electrician and mechanic.

As she climbed the ranks, she took on more responsibilities under the army's 'implied tasks for soldiers' rule, which resembled welfare matters in civilian life.

She worked with soldiers aged 17 and upwards, and was appointed a Notifications Officer, dealing with a range of issues including bullying, robbery, rape, suicide attempts, bereavement, and confidence building.

She was also responsible for liaising with families of service personnel, and breaking bad news to next of kin.

Outside the army, Ms Dock qualified as a lifestyle, fitness, and motivation coach, and a scuba diving instructor, and currently serves as the welfare officer for the Martial Arts and Krav Maga Academy in Llandudno.

After retiring, she recognised that her experience could be applied to volunteering, leading her to approach Childline.

She said: "I’d seen some distressing situations in conflict zones and the desperate situations people, especially children, can find themselves in no matter how resilient they are.

"I also needed a period of counselling myself to help me readjust, so I know first-hand the value of having someone to talk to and I appreciate the help and support agencies we have in this country that are often lacking in other societies."

Childline receives a call every 45 seconds across the UK, and Jan took her first call as a Childline counsellor in 2018.

There is a 12-week training programme which aims to equip volunteers with listening skills and teach them how to ask questions that will encourage children and young people to open up.

Volunteers collaborate with staff counsellors under the guidance of a team of professional managers.

Ms Dock said: "The training enhances listening skills and encourages dialogue.

"We also learn to use non-judgemental vocabulary and how to be alert to people’s feelings and concerns.

"I think you need to come to volunteering with an open mind.

"My training and experience at Childline have helped me in interactions, not only with the young people but with people in general.

"I believe many people have the skills and experience to make ideal volunteers.

"To know that a young person has had someone to talk to and that you’ve helped make a difference for them is so rewarding.

"That’s what keeps me going."

NSPCC Cymru is calling for volunteers to join its North Wales Childline team, which provides help to children and young people.

In 2023/24, Childline delivered 188,000 counselling sessions across the UK and Channel Islands on the phone and online.

To find out more about volunteering at Prestatyn or Cardiff, visit the NSPCC's website.