Toyota Ireland has made a donation of €12,000 to Teen-Line Ireland, the free phone and text service dedicated to helping young people through difficult times.

The helpline for teenagers and young adults provides a confidential support service they can use when they need someone to talk to or just listen to them.

Teen-Line is a non-profit organisation which relies solely on charitable contributions to carry out its work. Teen-Line Ireland’s volunteers are ordinary, every-day people, who understand that young people need to be heard and they volunteer to listen.

The donation from Toyota Ireland will help Teen-Line fund general operational activity the organisation undertakes in schools nationally as well as the vital recruitment and training of volunteers to carry out its services. Due to the growing volume of calls it receives, over 20,000 annually, Teen-Line is now seeking to increase the number of volunteers who staff its helpline.

Teen-Line was established by Maureen Bolger, the mother of Darren Bolger who took his own life, tragically, in 2003. Maureen saw the need for a confidential service to help teenagers who may feel isolated, troubled and without anyone to talk to.  Teen-Line Ireland can be reached on 1800-833-634 or text TEEN to 50015. Both are open 8pm to 11pm 7 days a week 365 days a year.

Steve Tormey, Chief Executive Toyota Ireland, said: “Toyota Ireland are delighted to support Teen-Line Ireland which provides an important, impartial support service for teenagers. The crucial work that the team at Teen-Line Ireland do is not only very challenging, but it is also voluntary. We are proud to contribute towards the recruitment and specialised training of volunteers who can make a massive impact on the lives of young people in Ireland.”