Bands lend a hand to benefit suicide helpline

IRISH bands and singers came together last night in Dublin to raise cash for a helpline set up to stem suicide among young people.

Teenline Ireland was officially launched last July by Maureen Bolger whose 16-year-old son Darren took his own life four years ago.

Determined to turn her own tragedy into something positive, she set about raising funds for a service dedicated to teenagers who felt there was nobody to listen to them.

“After Darren died I spoke to many young people — I didn’t want them to go where Darren has gone,” said Maureen.

“I asked them if they would telephone Childline or the Samaritans, but most thought they were too old for one and too young for the other.

“They are the in-betweens. So I decided to set up Teenline for them, a non-judgmental listening and support service,” she said.

Although a shoestring budget restricts the helpline to only 12 hours service a week it has proved a vital service for thousands of young people.

“Last month alone we had 1,058 calls. Now we are looking to extend the service to other days during the week, particularly Monday,” said Maureen.

In an attempt to raise the much-needed cash — the service survives on donations alone — emerging artists have put on a free gig at Dublin’s Radio City.

Leanne Harte, who has just released her debut album, The Chakras and Dublin singer-songwriter Shaz Oye are among those performing at the concert.

Johnny Ward Shine, a friend of Darren’s, performed his self-penned poignant song, Sonny, written to raise awareness of suicide.

The Teenline Ireland number is 1800 833 634 and is open Wednesdays, between 3pm to 6pm, and from 9pm until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.