Three schools launch helpline reference card for students

Three Killarney secondary schools have jointly launched a helpline card for students.

The “Know your Numbers” card contains helpline numbers such as 1 Life, Suicide Prevention, Console, Samaritans, Childline, and other organisations, and is wallet-size.

Recent suicides of young people in Killarney shocked the community and a poster has already been launched by the local Be Aware group with phone numbers of help organisations.

The poster has been put on display in pubs, nightclubs, and other places of public resort.

Speaking at the helpline card launch, Seán Coffey, principal of St Brendan’s College, said the schools had targeted the card as a support for any students feeling low or anxious.

Guidance counsellor Karen Rice said there was always someone with whom a concern could be shared, at school, at home, or through friends.

“This card is a further expression of the availability of the support. It offers contact with organisations who offer professional, non-judgmental confidential advice,” she said.

Kerry Life co-ordinator Seamus Whitty said some small changes could impact hugely on the lives of individuals, or the community, and the card was an example of a small change with a potentially huge impact.

The launch was attended by student council, parents’ council members, and guidance staff from the three schools.

Student council co-chairman Kevin Keane welcomed the practical nature of the card and appealed to his peers to always know that someone would listen if they felt depressed, or anxious.