Childline is part of the ISPCC, and is a service for all children and young people up to the age of 18 in Ireland. You can contact Childline for free at any time by calling 1800 66 66 66. You can also chat with them live on their website, or, if you prefer to text, you can text 50101. It is completely anonymous, as Childline doesn’t trace calls or texts and your IP address is hidden. Their aim is to empower, support and protect young people. You don’t have to have a problem to talk to Childline. Their website offers advice for many issues facing children, including family relationships, abuse, bullying, sexual and gender identity, education, and employment. They also go to schools and clubs and give talks, and campaign for children’s rights.
Pieta House provides help to anyone struggling with issues surrounding suicide and self-harm. All of their services are free, and include a helpline (1800 247 247) which can be called at any time. Alternatively, you can text HELP to 51444, or visit your nearest centre. They also offer support and advice to friends and family, including suicide bereavement services. In the centres, you can be assigned a therapist, who you can see at least once a week for one-to-one sessions, each lasting 50 minutes. Depending on the individual, therapy could last up to 12 weeks. Their website offers advice to anyone who self harms, or is feeling suicidal, and advice to anyone who is told by someone else that they are self harming. They also attempt to dispel myths about suicide and self harm.
Samaritans is an organisation providing free, confidential support to people of all ages. You can contact them through their 24/7 helpline (116 123), via email or letter, or face-to-face in one of their many branches across Ireland and the UK.. Their volunteers are not trained mental health professionals, they simply provide a safe space for people to confidentially discuss their issues. They do not try to force advice or opinions on callers, they just support the decisions you make. They often ask questions to help you explore your feelings. They can recommend and provide contact details for other organisations if you require advice for any specific problem. You can confidentially discuss any problem, no matter the size.
Accident and Emergency
Go to, or contact, the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest general hospital if you are in immediate danger and can’t get through to a help line. Emergency services can be contacted at any time by dialing 999 or 112 in Republic of Ireland or 112 in Europe.