Ms O’Hara joined supporters and volunteers at a special event at Stormont, which was hosted by Dame Esther Rantzen.

Dame Esther said: “There can be no doubt that ChildLine’s intervention over the past 30 years has saved children’s lives.

“The increased confidence and willingness of children to speak out when they are experiencing lows in their lives should be welcomed, but ultimately it means that we have even more responsibility to ensure that every call is answered.”

She added: “We know that this is a time of low resource in many areas, but as the figures show, we need ChildLine more than ever.

“The committed volunteers are there to do the work, listening to children and young people who have no one else to turn to; now we need everyone else to play their part to help sustain the funding that enables us to be there for every child.”

Ms O’Hara said: “It was an honour to be invited to ChildLine’s 30th celebrations. Dame Esther spoke so passionately about such a great cause and it was such a privilege to meet her.”