Teen helpline struggling to cope with demand for services

A helpline that offers support to troubled teenagers says it is struggling to cope with the massive demand for its services.

Teenline was launched six months ago to help young people struggling with the pressures of adolescence.

The service, which only operates on Friday and Saturday nights, says it is receiving more than 700 calls every month and is struggling to deal with the demand due to a shortage of funds and volunteers.

Teenline says most of the calls it receives relate to abuse, bullying, exam pressures, eating disorders, self harm and suicidal tendencies.