TeenLine looks to the future with its new ambassadors and school awareness programme
By Mary Dennehy
AFTER a bumpy few months, which included the resignation of its board, TeenLine Ireland is closing the year on a positive note – with a new board, new ambassadors and a funding commitment for the national roll-out of its school awareness programme.
As reported in The Echo, the former board resigned in July. However, a new board is now in place and the listening service is looking forward to the future.
Established by Tallaght mother Maureen Bolger after her son Darren tragically lost his life to suicide in 2003, TeenLine is a national listening and text service for teenagers in distress – and in 2014, it received almost 20,000 calls.
This week two new ambassadors for the national service were announced, Sasha Connelly, a primary school teacher and current Ms Kilkenny, and Meaghan O’Loughlin (24), a Tallaght native who is the ISKA Irish Bantam-weight mixed martial arts champion, and who is turning professional this January.
TeenLine’s new Director and Chairperson, Declan Brennan said: “We are delighted and honoured to have Sasha and Megan on board.
“It’s hugely important that we have ambassadors that young people can relate to and that come from all walks of life.”
TeenLine, which is located in the Dominic’s shopping centre in Tallaght, has also received a grant from the Community Foundation of Ireland for the national roll-out of its schools programme.
The service is currently visiting between two and three schools a week and speaking with young people about TeenLine and reminding teenagers that volunteers are there to listen in a confidential and non-directive manner.
Mr Brennan said: “It’s just about touching base with young people and letting them know that we are here to listen, and calls do increase after we do a school talk.
“It’s great that we now have the opportunity to roll out the schools’ programme nationally, we will be able to reach more young people and get TeenLine’s number out there.”
TeenLine is also the sole beneficiary of the Paul Stafford Foundation lunch this week, with members of the Tallaght-based listening services addressing those gathered, including MC Kathryn Thomas, in Sophie’s Restaurant on Friday.
Established in 2007, the Paul Stafford Foundation aims to raise awareness and address the issue of suicide in Ireland, and was founded by a group of people who were directly affected by suicide.
To support TeenLine Ireland through fundraising or to volunteer – all phone volunteers receive full training and must be over 21 – call the office on 4622124.
Call the TeenLine helpline on 1800 833 634 or text teen to 50015. Alternatively, email info@teenline.ie or visit the TeenLine Facebook page.