Southsider wins People of the Year Award

A SOUTHSIDE
woman was honoured at this year’s People of the Year Awards for her commitment
and dedication to the prevention of suicide and self-harm.

Joan Freeman,
from Lucan, was presented with the award by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

In 2006, Joan
closed down her counselling business and put her home on the line to create the
first Pieta House in Lucan.

The service was
the first of its kind in Ireland.

It provides
counselling, support and advice for people who are actively suicidal.

Joan, who wrote
a best selling book called

‘Cover up: Understanding Self -Harm’, dedicated the
services of Pieta House to helping people in turmoil.

It now boasts
five centres in Dublin and Limerick, with over 60 staff members.

According to the
latest figures, 486 people committed suicide in Ireland last year.

“We see that
most people who come to us have no psychiatric history but are reacting to a
life event such as a bereavement, or a relationship break up, or bullying, all
those sort of things,

? she explained.

“It’s trying to get that message across
because there is still a stigma attached. Once people start realising what it
is, then we can do something about it.

?

The ceremony,
now it its 37th year, was presented by Gráinne Seoige and the taoiseach.

The winners are
chosen by members of the public through a nominations process and decided by a
panel of adjudicators.

Angela Kerins,
chief executive of Rehab, and chairperson of the adjudication committee,
congratulated the winners:

“It is a great
source of pride for all of us at Rehab that this is our 37th year to organise
these awards,

? she said.

“Recognising heroes and acknowledging determination is
part of our daily work as every day we support people with disabilities and
others who are marginalised to take enormous strides in their lives.

“This annual
event reminds us of the spirit that is alive in this country today and how we
have so much to be proud of. Together the award winners show that volunteerism,
selflessness and real community spirit are very much alive and well in
Ireland.

?

Other winners
included Rory McIlroy, who was named Sports Person of the Year after a
record-breaking victory at the US Open Golf Championship in June.

Police Constable
Ronan Kerr (25) was posthumously recognised for his enormous bravery and
commitment to both community and the PSNI. Ronan lost his life when a car bomb
went off outside his Omagh home in April.