Kodaline join Console

The Irish band unite forces with charity to prevent youth suicide.

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Homegrown talent and chart-topping rock group, Kodaline, is joining forces with the national suicide prevention charity, Console, to help combat Ireland’s high rate of youth suicide.

The group’s debut album, In a Perfect World, is number one in Ireland this week and racing to the top of the UK charts at number three.

“Our high rate of youth suicide, particularly among young men, is a serious cause for concern. Ireland ranks fourth in Europe for suicide among people aged 15 to 24,” said Console CEO Paul Kelly.

The Dublin-based band consisting of; drummer Vinny May, singer Steve Garrigan, bassist Jason Boland and guitarist Mark Prendergast, want to do what they can to try and reduce those numbers.

“We are very much aware of how much suicide has affected so many young people in this country,” said singer Steve Garrigan.

“We want to help Console raise awareness that there are people to contact when you are going through a difficult time, we’ve all been there at some point.

“The most important thing is that you talk about it and realise that there is help available for everyone.”

“We are delighted to welcome Kodaline aboard. They are keen to help us spread the message to young people in Ireland and elsewhere that while we don’t all live In a Perfect World, if young people are in crisis, we are here to help,” added Console CEO Paul Kelly.

Nationwide professional suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console offers counselling services and 24-hour helpline support to people in crisis and those bereaved by suicide (Freephone 1800 201 890). The charity has full-time counselling centres in Limerick, Cork, Dublin, Wexford, Galway, Kerry and Mayo. It also offers services in Kildare and Athlone and has recently opened a service in London.

Counselling, advice and general support is available for any individual, couples, groups, families or children who have been affected by suicide. Console can be reached at any time on freephone 1800 201890 and many resources and useful information can be found at www.console.ie.

Check out Kodaline's tune, High Hopes, below: