Local march raises awareness of suicide

A COMMUNITY march took place on the Southside at the weekend to highlight the fact that the number of suicides in Ireland is increasing.

The march that started out at Cherry Orchard Hospital and proceeded along the Ballyfermot Road towards Pieta House was organised by locals who have been shocked by a recent spate of deaths in the area.

Speaking about the event, organiser Daithí de Róiste said a group of friends decided to come together to organise the walk following a number of tragic deaths by suicide in Ballyfermot in recent months.

“This idea originated following the tragic news of the death of a young 17-year-old boy in Ballyfermot last month,

? he explained.

“Myself and Robert Quigley had a conversation in which the question arose – what exactly could we do to highlight that Pieta House is in the area and available to help people in crisis?

“The idea came to walk along the main road, bringing traffic to a halt while we walked and handed out leaflets for the

‘Mind Our Men Campaign’ to passers by.

?

Mr de Róiste said that even though awareness of suicide had increased, the number of people who take their own lives in Ireland, and particularly in Ballyfermot, continues to grow.

“Most of them are men,

? he pointed out.

“Despite this, Pieta House figures show that 53 per cent of people who use their services are women and 47 per cent are men.

“Deeper analysis shows that it is mainly women who make the appointments for men.

“We hope that by stopping people on the street, and giving them time to talk to us they will hear our message that Pieta House is in Ballyfermot and to please talk to them if you are in crisis.

?

He added:

“If we can help even one person or family, then it will be worth it.

?

Fellow organiser Robert Quigley said that eight years ago they lost their best friend Jonathan Heavey.

“Since Jonathan died in 2006, we have decided to focus all our efforts into fundraising for, and creating awareness of Pieta House,

? he said.

“On February 22, we will be hosting our annual benefit night in the Ballyfermot Club. Tickets are only e10 and every single cent goes to helping the people of Ballyfermot who find themselves in crisis.

“If you would like to buy any tickets, or donate a spot prize, please call us on 085-724 6061.

?

“Deeper analysis shows that it is mainly women who make the appointments for men.

“We hope that by stopping people on the street, and giving them time to talk to us they will hear our message that Pieta House is in Ballyfermot and to please talk to them if you are in crisis.

?

He added:

“If we can help even one person or family, then it will be worth it.

?

Fellow organiser Robert Quigley said that eight years ago they lost their best friend Jonathan Heavey.

“Since Jonathan died in 2006, we have decided to focus all our efforts into fundraising for, and creating awareness of Pieta House,

? he said.

“On February 22, we will be hosting our annual benefit night in the Ballyfermot Club. Tickets are only e10 and every single cent goes to helping the people of Ballyfermot who find themselves in crisis.

“If you would like to buy any tickets, or donate a spot prize, please call us on 085-724 6061.

?