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HeadsUp encourages young people to seek help
during periods of exam stress
- Requests for information rise by almost 90% in the last
year -
HeadsUp Text, which is supported by Meteor and co-ordinated
by Rehab, is reminding young people to reach out for
help if they are struggling to cope with the pressure of exams. By
simply texting the
word HEADSUP to 50424, young people can receive details
of helplines and support services on a range of topics, including suicide,
drugs,
alcohol, abuse, sexual health, sexuality, parenting,
relationships and mental health. In the last year, almost 90% more
young people have
used the service and Rehab expects many more students
to avail of the text support service over the coming weeks as they
prepare to sit the
Leaving and Junior Certificate examinations.
Within the last year, requests for information on teen
issues have increased by 102 per cent, crisis queries
up 94 per cent, mental health issues and sexual health
issues both up 90 per cent,
and abuse queries up 89 per cent. Teen issues (17 per
cent), mental health problems (13 per cent) and sexual
health concerns (11 per cent)
remain the topics on which users have most frequently
sought information.
At the touch of a button, HeadsUp Text can be accessed
free of charge by all mobile phone users on all networks
thanks to Meteor's support. Through HeadsUp, young
people can obtain contact numbers for organisations
that will
provide practical advice to their problems. The Samaritans,
AL Anon, Aware, Women's Aid, Childline, Gay Switchboard,
Drugs/HIV helpline and Bodywhys, are among the many
support services featured on the HeadsUp Text service.
The confidential
and fully-automated service is quick and easy-to-use,
giving the user an immediate response to a wide range
of problems.
"Many young people find it hard to cope with the
stress and anxieties of exams and are sometimes
left feeling
alone, unable to talk to family or friends about
what they are
going through. HeadsUp Text offers them the crucial
information that they need in getting them through
this difficult
time," according to Angela Kerins, Chief Executive
of Rehab.
"We are delighted with the continued growth in
the number of young people using this service,
particularly
since
this last year has brought with it such difficult
and unforeseen circumstances for many. By providing
a 24-hour,
confidential
service, HeadsUp Text is there for young people
when they need it most," said Ms Kerins.
Amanda Carroll, Meteor's Head of Communications
said, "We recognise the enormous popularity
of text messaging
as
a communications tool. It's quick, easy, and
straightforward, and we would encourage students
who may be in difficult
situations to save the number on their mobile
and reach out for help when they need it."
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