A health worker is to be employed in a Cork harbour town to help halt a worrying increase in the number of teenagers turning to alcohol, drugs, and even suicide.
By Sean O’Riordan in the Irish Examiner
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Kinsale Youth Support Service (KYSS) ”” formed three years ago by 18 local professionals ”” became concerned about the situation and persuaded the HSE to fund the services of a part-time health worker.
The new service will be launched on Monday next by Kathleen Lynch, the junior health minister.
KYSS committee member Alice de la Cour said it was hoped fundraising in the Kinsale area will allow the health worker to be employed full time in due course.
Ms de la Cour said that KYSS, in conjunction with the HSE, had funded counselling services for teenagers experiencing difficulties.
“A large number of teenagers have availed of this service and it’s been of huge benefit. I have no doubt it has saved lives and I’ve no doubt the services of the new health worker will do the same,” she said.
“The health worker will initially be employed for 20 hours a week but we hope to make the position full-time.”
KYSS also hosts free monthly talks at the Trident Hotel covering topics including suicide.
