Vigils to mark World Suicide Prevention Day will be held throughout the Midlands at the locations of the ‘Trees of Hope’ which were planted last year.
World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity for all of us to play our part in preventing suicide, according to the HSE Suicide Resource Officer for Laois/Offaly Josephine Rigney.
“We can all make a difference, as a member of society, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour,” says Josephine.
“There are many things that we can do, on a daily basis and on World Suicide Prevention Day, to prevent suicidal behaviour.
“These include raising awareness about the issue, educating ourselves and others about the causes and the warning signs for suicide, showing compassion and care for those who are in distress in our communities, questioning the stigma associated with suicide, suicidal behaviour and mental health problems and also by sharing our own experiences.”
Websites such as www.yourmentalhealth.ie and www.nosp.ie give information on how to support yourself or someone you care about and details of local and national services.
The Vigils are being organised by Midlands Living Links and will take place on Tuesday 10th September, 2019, at the following locations:
Tullamore, Offaly: 7pm: Tree of Hope, Lloyd Town Park, Tullamore
Birr, Offaly: 10am: Church Service, St. Brendan’s Catholic Church, Birr, followed by vigil at the Tree of Hope in the Tranquillity Garden at the rear of the Church
Portlaoise, Laois: 7pm: Tree of Hope, Memorial Garden, 6 Ridge Road, Portlaoise
Longford: 7pm: Tree of Hope, Remembrance Garden, Great Water Street, Longford
Kilbeggan, Westmeath: 7pm: Tree of Hope, Brosna Park, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath
