A SPECIAL telephone helpline has been set up to give advice and support to young people following the suspected suicide of two County Durham teenagers.

The helpline will be staff by trained professionals who will give non-judgemental support, practical advice and information to children, teenagers and young people up to the age of 35 who are worried about how they are feeling.

The service will also be available to take calls from anyone who is concerned about a young person.

NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group (DDES CCG) is working with North Durham CCG, NHS Tees Esk and Wear Valley Mental Health Trust, charities such as the Samaritans, CRUSE Bereavement and If U Care Share, as well as local schools to ensure there is a joined up approach to providing support to young people and parents who have been affected by the deaths in Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor in November and December.

Anyone who is concerned about a child or young person who lives in County Durham can call First Contact at Durham County Council Children’s Services on 03000-267-979 or 0191-383-5752.

Callers can also contact national UK charity Papyrus on 0800-068-4141. It is open Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm and weekends from 2pm to 5pm.

You can also text on 07786-209697and e-mail pat@papyrus-uk.org.Calls are free from BT landlines.

Dr James Carlton, medical advisor, DDES CCG said: “The most important thing to do is listen and not judge. Desperate feelings are common and can be overcome.

"Things can and do change and things can and do get better. We hope that by working together we can protect young people in County Durham and help them to lead happy and positive lives.”