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Free 24-hour Text Service To Provide Helpline Information for Young People
Launch of 'Headsup' Text Service for Those in Difficulty
From today, (Monday, 13th August), young people can access
a range of helplines and support services by texting
the word "Headsup" to 50424, a free 24-hour text service provided by
Rehab. This service
is generously supported by Meteor. The confidential and
fully automated service is the first of its kind in Ireland, offering
information on
how to access support services for a wide range of issues
such as relationships, suicide, teen issues, sexual health and mental
health. The launch of
this new service takes place as thousands of young people
around the country anxiously await their Leaving Certificate results,
which can
be one of the many stressful times in a young persons
life.
The service can be accessed free of charge by all mobile
phone users on all networks. Through "Headsup" young
people can receive, direct to their mobile, up-to-date
and accurate contact numbers for
organisations that will provide practical advice to
their problems 24-hours a day. The service is quick, free and easy
to use,
giving
the user an immediate response to a wide range of problems.
By texting 'Headsup' to 50424, the user is sent a list
of topics they would like help with. There are 12
options to choose from including crisis, suicide, alcohol,
drugs, mental health, debt,
sexuality, abuse, gambling, sexual health, parenting
and teen issues. The user chooses the topic and instantly
receives a list of appropriate
helpline numbers to their mobile phone. The Samaritans,
AL Anon, Aware, Women's Aid, Childline, MABS and
Bodywhys are among the many support
services listed.
Ms. Angela Kerins, Chief Executive of the Rehab Group,
believes that a wide range of factors can affect
mental wellbeing among young adults including exam
stress, financial problems, relationships
and sexuality issues. Commenting on the launch
of the 'Headsup' text service she said; "Unfortunately with
many crises there may be only
a short period of time when a young person tries
to access help, and in many cases they do not know
where to go to
get the support
they
need. The 'Headsup' text service enables people
to receive direct to their mobile phone up-to-date contact
numbers for organisations
which
can provide the practical advice that they need
to deal with life's challenges.
This service therefore increases significantly
the possibility of young people accessing the
support they need at critical
times. It is designed with young people in mind
as they all use mobile phones
on a daily basis."
Commenting on the new service Amanda Carroll,
Meteor's Media and PR Manager, said "The Headsup
text service is a helpful way of creating communication between
young people and the support groups
that can assist them with any issues they may
be
experiencing."
"As Ireland's fastest growing network, Meteor
is committed to offering a simple, effective
communications service to all our customers.
Therefore, we welcome
the opportunity
to support the Rehab Group with
this valuable communications resource for
young people
in difficulty", she added.
The new service is being supported by an
extensive youth-focused marketing campaign
and is one of a number of suicide prevention initiatives
currently
being developed
by
Rehab. Other
initiatives include a lifeskills
and lifecoaching course, a parenting course
for
fathers, and workplace training on suicide
prevention.
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