First free helpline for teenagers aims to prevent suicides

IRELAND’S first dedicated free helpline for teenagers is to open next month to help reduce the toll of young people who take their own lives every year.

Teen-Line Ireland has been founded by Dublin mother Maureen Bolger, whose teenage son Darren took his own life three years ago.

The mother of three and well-wishers have set up premises in Tallaght, Dublin, recruited volunteers to man the lines, and forged links with youth counselling organisations.