Teenage suicide - Initiative could help save lives

SETTING up a helpline for teenagers who need to talk about their problems should greatly enhance the battle against suicide among young people in Ireland.

Aptly named Teenline, the initiative comes from Maureen Bolger whose son Darren committed suicide two years ago at the age of 16.

Based loosely on the Samaritan concept, it is intended to provide a listening service for young people. But it differs from other helplines because on-line counsellors can offer to get directly involved with distressed callers if they feel it is necessary. Targeting teenagers too old for Childline and too young for the Samaritans, it will be up and running later this year.