Dublin Samaritans unveils ‘Elephant in the (Garden) Room’ at Bloom | Installation dedicated to Charlie Bird

Dublin Samaritans has unveiled its postcard garden at Bord Bia Bloom.

The garden features a sculpture from the ‘Elephant in the Room’ campaign, designed by artist Niall O’Laughlin which was dedicated to the late Charlie Bird.

Charlie was an advocate for mental health and a dedicated supporter of Dublin Samaritans.

Dublin Samaritans’ garden at Bord Bia Bloom highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues openly.

The Elephant in the Room is a mental health initiative, the brainchild of well-known rugby analyst and mental health activist Brent Pope.

Samaritans is its chosen charity partner for 2024.

The meticulously manicured garden features a beautiful patio area with hard landscaping and a formal planting structure.

At the centre of an orderly setting sits an elephant, adorned with symbolic imagery, a metaphor for the often overlooked yet ever-present issues in people’s lives.

Pictured are: Dublin Samaritan’s supporters (l-R) Fran Murphy and Joe Corcoran with Dave Southern from the Elephant in the Room project

This juxtaposition powerfully conveys the message that by talking to Dublin Samaritans individuals can address the ‘elephants in the room’ and find support.

Director of Dublin Samaritans, Mary McMahon commented: “The Elephant in the Garden Room is a stark reminder of the difficult topics we often avoid.

“By creating this garden, we hope to encourage people to have those necessary conversations about mental health.

“By talking to a Samaritan, you can address the ‘elephant in the room’ that we all have.

“We want to remind anyone who needs support to call us on freephone 116 123 or email [email protected].”

Dublin Samaritans is the only 24/365 emotional support helpline that covers the island of Ireland.

The volunteer-run listening service provides a non-judgmental lifeline to thousands of people in Ireland each year.

The most common issues mentioned by callers included mental health, loneliness, family problems, and relationship issues.

*Samaritans latest figures shows that more than 1,200 calls and emails for help were answered every day last year. An average call lasts 23 min.

Visitors to the Dublin Samaritans’ postcard garden at Bord Bia Bloom can experience this impactful installation firsthand.

Bord Bia Bloom runs over the June Bank Holiday weekend, May 30th to June 3rd, daily in the Phoenix Park.

For more information or to seek support, Samaritans are available 24/7 at 116 123 or email [email protected].