Biggest ever gathering of Irish country music stars to ‘Reach Out’ and support Childline this Easter

Reach Out Graphic

Daniel O’Donnell, Nathan Carter, Margo and Una Healy will be among a host of 35 performers joining the biggest ever gathering of Irish country music stars reaching out this Easter Sunday night to help raise much-needed funds for the ISPCC’s Childline Listening Service.

Excitement is mounting ahead of the ‘Reach Out’ concert, which is set to bring the magic of the Irish country music scene into the homes of fans across Ireland. The production will be the showpiece event of the uplifting ‘Reach Out’ movement founded by country music star Trudi Lalor and Billy Morrissey to connect the stars of Irish country music with their fans following a year of missing out on in-person concerts through the Covid-19 pandemic.

The stars are calling on fans to help them support Childline and ensure that every child and young person in Ireland can always reach out to the service. Children and young people’s lives have been turned upside down by the pandemic, with Childline receiving up to 800 online contacts, calls and texts every day from those who seek a listening ear. Contacting Childline can make a lasting difference in the life of a child or young person.

The livestream concert will begin at 8pm on Easter Sunday night, April 4th, and be accessed online at:  www.reachout2021.com. Audience members will have the chance throughout the night to support Childline and make a vital difference in the lives of children and young people. All donations raised will go directly towards making sure the listening service is always available 24 hours a day, every day.

 

‘Reach Out’ Co-Founder and Concert Host Trudi Lalor said:Everyone involved in the ‘Reach Out’ initiative is thrilled to be supporting ISPCC Childline on Easter Sunday night through the biggest ever gathering of Irish country music stars. Over the past year, we have seen the vital difference it can make to have someone there to listen. Children and young people have faced huge challenges and have been cut off from school, extended family members and friends. They have needed an ally and a safe place where they can reach out and where they will be listened to, believed, support and empowered. It is so important that Childline is always there for them.

“The Reach Out 2021 concert will see a unique celebration of Irish country music streamed live into homes across Ireland and beyond, connecting stars and fans for a night of unforgettable entertainment. By reaching out to support Childline throughout the concert, music fans can help to make a lasting difference for children and young people by making sure they always have somewhere they can turn.”

 

ISPCC Childline Chief Executive John Church said: “At a time when children and young people need Childline more than ever, we are hugely appreciative of the generosity extended by the Irish country music community in reaching out to help make sure our service is always here to listen.

“Children and young people have been reaching out to Childline for support for over 30 years and telling us how they feel anxious, upset, lonely and afraid, or need someone to talk to. They have been significantly impacted by the events of the past 12 months – many are experiencing mental health difficulties, impacted by tensions at home and miss their activities, extended family members and other supports in their lives.

“All of this comes at a time when so many of the vital fundraising activities on which we rely each year cannot go ahead. Our service relies on donations for over 90 per cent of the funding which keeps us here for every child and young person in Ireland 24 hours a day, every day. We need to make sure we are always here when they feel ready to take that brave step of making that call, sending that message or talking with us online.

“This biggest ever celebration of Irish country music will give fans the opportunity to make a vital difference in the lives of children and help make sure that no child has to face their challenges alone in 2021 and beyond. We would be extremely appreciative of your support.”

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