Parentline is a voluntary organisation offering confidential support to parents, guardians and teachers under stress through a telephone help-line, face-to-face service and parent-support groups. The group aims to help those who are experiencing difficulties in their parenting, or who wish to improve their skills and initiate change. The helpline is 018733500. The organisation also welcomes volunteers to be trained as counsellors. The volunteers take part in an initial training course, followed by workshops, seminars and monthly support meetings. Further information from: Parentline, Carmichael House, 4-7 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. Tel: 018787230.
CanTeen is a support group for teenagers who have, or have had, cancer. Associated with the Irish Cancer Society, it has 200 members, ranging in age from 12 to 20. The teenagers meet regularly, have weekends away and have some fun. An information booklet called What's Going On? has just been launched with the aim of giving realistic information about cancer. The book answers straightforward questions, has an accessible, fivepage glossary of all those vaguely understood medical terms and is available through hospital social workers. To join or find out more about the group write to CanTeen, Teenage Support Group, c/o Irish Cancer Society, 5 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4 or telephone 01-6681855.
Joe Beatty, Michael McShane, Paul Scully and Nicky Power are raising funds on a sponsored five-day walk through the Wicklow Way for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. The organisation's main work is the supply of specialised equipment on loan, and financial assistance for home care and nursing for patients throughout the country. It also supports research into the causes and treatment of the disease. The association does not receive any statutory funding. The walk begins on June 25th. Sponsorship enquiries to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association on 018730422, and Joe Beatty on 086-8160679.