Shannon’s Hopeline
Who we are?
Shannon’s Hopeline is a charity set up in memory of Shannon Kelleher who died from suicide on 24th January 2012, she was 13 years old. Shannon’s Mum Sandra Kelleher and Shannon’s Aunty Lisa Kelleher founded the charity. The mission of Shannon’s Hopeline is to support and educate young people and their families in the Dublin area on the importance of looking after their mental health. To prevent suicide and reduce stigma before problems become a crisis.
Shannon’s Hopeline is supported by fundraising, grants and generous donations from the public, we receive no government funding.
Why we started?
When Shannon died by suicide it was a shock to all her family and the community. Sandra (Shannon’s Mum) had never heard of anyone so young taking their own life, so she decided to research. She had no idea that youth suicide was so bad in Ireland and the lack of services for young people. Sandra also wanted Shannon’s Memory to live on and not be one of just pain. Sandra and Lisa then decided something had to be done about youth mental health and Shannon’s Hopeline was created.
What we do?
Shannon’s Hopeline provide low-cost counselling to children/young people from ages 4 to 25 years. We are an early intervention service. Play Therapy for ages 4 to 12, Adolescent Therapy for ages 13 to 17 and Young Adults Therapy for ages 18 to 25.
We also run a Teens Mental Wellness Programme for ages 13 to 17. In this programme they learn the importance of exercise and nutrition for your mental health.
Our Plan for the VHI Womens Mini Marathon
Last year we had up to 50 women participate in the mini marathon raising a total €8,275. We were delighted with that amount. For 2024 we are planning to have more participants representing Shannon’s Hopeline in the marathon. It is an emotional time seeing all the beautiful women wearing Shannon’s Hopeline T-shirts on the day. Afterwards our local pub in the Liberties the Lark Inn provide soup and sandwiches to all the girls who have participated. They also put a DJ on for the girls, it is great craic.
Contact Shannon’s Hopeline:
The Little Flower Centre, 11 Meath Street, Top Floor, Dublin 8. D08AC91
T: 01 454 9256
Sandra: 086 1218708
Lisa: 085 270048
sandra@shannonshopeline.ie lisa@shannonshopeline.ie
Website: www.shannonshopeline.ie