Suicide helpline gets over 4,000 calls a month

National suicide charity Console is receiving over 4,000 calls to its free helpline every month.

Calls have increased by almost one third (32%) on last year.

The rise has been put down to more people realising there is no shame in talking about their worries.

“More people are realising there is help out there for them and that they need to talk about how they feel,” said Console chief executive and founder Paul Kelly yesterday.

“Console offers more than a listening service, we make sure people who call us at a time of crisis get the help they need.”

Mr Kelly said the helpline also received calls from people concerned that a friend or relative might be facing a crisis.

People were also calling the helpline because a friend or relative had taken their own life and they were feeling vulnerable.

“The helpline has also seen a marked change in the amount of calls from males over the age of 30, which is an indication that a previously silent demographic is beginning to seek help when in crisis,” Mr Kelly said.

“Our helpline is a lifeline service, providing immediate intervention from highly trained counsellors and clinicians who will refer callers to the services that they need. This is a lot different from providing a traditional listening service.”

Console was joined by chart-topping act Kodaline to launch its new helpline number 1800 247247 and to spread the message that immediate help is available.

“If you are facing a crisis, help is always just a free call away at any hour of the day or night, and the number couldn’t be easier to remember,” said lead singer Steve Garrigan.

“Most of us don’t live in a perfect world, we have all been through difficult times, and we want people to know Console is there for them if they are having dark days.

“Console’s free helpline is there 24/7 and there is no shame in talking about your worries, we all have them, and we all need support sometimes.”

This Saturday, more than 250 cyclists will be getting on their bikes to spread Console’s free helpline message.

The volunteers, wearing t-shirts emblazoned with Console’s helpline number, will set off early from the organisation’s home town of Celbridge, Co Kildare, and cycle to Galway by evening.

Console wristbands and other information will be handed out by the volunteers during the cycle across the country.

The charity has full-time counselling centres in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Wexford, Galway, Kerry, and Mayo. It also provides services in Kildare and Athlone, and, more recently, in London.

Counselling, advice, and general support is available for any individual, couples, groups, families, and children who have been affected by suicide.

www.console.ie