THE ISPCC has welcomed the addition of Teenline to the range of services it offers children and young people across Ireland.
Teenline Ireland calls are now being answered by the ISPCC. The service can now be contacted for free, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
Since 1988, the ISPCC has operated Childline – Ireland’s 24-hour national listening service for all children and young people up to the age of 18.
Childline is private, confidential and can be contacted for free from anywhere in Ireland.
Teenline, a confidential, non-directive and non-judgmental listening service for teenagers, was founded in 2005 by Tallaght woman, Maureen Bolger, following the tragic death of her son Darren (16).
Maureen established Teenline so that young people in Ireland would have a listening service they could contact which was specifically designed for teenagers.
ISPCC CEO John Church said: “Since their foundations, ISPCC Childline and Teenline Ireland have worked to ensure children and young people have somewhere they can turn when they seek support.
“We would like to acknowledge the work that the Teenline Ireland team have undertaken since 2005 and are happy to be taking Teenline under the ISPCC umbrella and continuing to offer this important service to young people.”
Teenline founder, Maureen, added: “I am very proud of all that Teenline Ireland has achieved over the years and the thousands of young people we have listened to, and supported.
“I am delighted that the service will now be provided by the ISPCC. It is great to know that calls will be answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week”.
ISPCC Teenline can be contacted by young people up to the age of 18 by calling 1800833634. The service is free to use and is available 24 hours.
The ISPCC (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) is the national child protection charity.
The ISPCC delivers innovative child-centred services in a number of locations throughout Ireland.
ISPCC Childline is Ireland's only 24-hour listening service for children and young people. It is free, confidential and non-judgmental.