A day to remember

HUNDREDS of Northsiders are expected to turn out this week for a number of local vigils and events taking place to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.

The Andy Morgan Foundation is organising co-ordinated candlelit vigils at 8pm outside Cappagh House in Finglas, the Axis Centre in Ballymun and the Bell Building Courtyard in Darndale, which will all end with the mass release of glow-in-the-dark helium balloons in memory of those lost to suicide.

Families and friends bereaved by suicide are being asked to bring along framed photos of their loved ones to be placed on a table lit by candles at the vigils as well as a balloon.

The most recent official figures put the annual number of suicides in Ireland at over 500 but it’s believed it could be even higher due to some being recorded as death by misadventure or accidental death.

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin North West, Dessie Ellis, recently described the issue of self-harm and suicide in his Northside constituency as an

“alarming epidemic

? and said that there isn’t a family in Ireland untouched by suicide and mental illness.

Northsider Joanne Featherston, who lost her partner, Andy Morgan, to suicide on New Year’s Eve in 2010, and volunteers with the foundation set up in his name, has lost count of the number of local tragedies.

“You’re hearing of a suicide nearly every couple of weeks,

? she told Northside People.

“No matter who you talk to, it’s never far from the conversation.

?

The vigils on Wednesday will offer some comfort and solidarity to local families affected by suicide. Campaigning priest Fr Peter McVerry will be attending the Ballymun vigil while there’ll be poignant music and singing at all three local events.

“It’s really just to remember our loved ones who died from suicide and to send them love and energy at the same time in the three places,

? explained Joanne.

This is the second year that the Andy Morgan Foundation has organised local vigils. In 2013 Joanne posted the idea on the foundation’s Facebook page and it quickly struck a chord with hundreds of people who supported the plan.

“It was lovely last year,

? Joanne said.

“The council have come on board with us up in Ballymun and they’re supplying tea and coffee for us and we’re going to have a Wall of Hope projected onto the Axis building with photos of loved ones who died of suicide and images of inspirational quotes.

?

Pink bracelets will also be sold at the vigils bearing the hashtag #isupportalex. The bracelets are in support of Andy Morgan’s brave daughter, Alex (10), who recently spoke out publically about the impact of losing her father to suicide.

Money raised from sales will be used to give youngsters who have lost a parent or sibling to suicide a fun day out, something Alex believes helps with the healing process.

Shortly after the events the Andy Morgan Foundation will be setting up local support groups in Finglas and Ballymun for locals affected by suicide.

The groups will meet weekly and be facilitated by an experienced counsellor. Volunteers will be handing out leaflets next week to promote the groups and details will also be posted on the Andy Morgan Foundation’s Facebook page.

Meanwhile Exchange House National Traveller Suicide Prevention Service is marking World Suicide Day by organising a free film screening of British-Irish comedy-drama

‘Frank’ at 61 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1.

Following the film, there will be a short Q&A and a discussion before the event, which is open to the public and begins at 2pm, closes with a short candlelight remembrance.

“It’s very important that we mark this day,

? said Catherine Morley, CEO of Exchange House National Traveller Service

“If you are a Traveller, you are six times more likely to die by suicide than your settled counterpart.

“The focus of our service is on raising awareness and building community, family and individual resilience, essential if this devastating statistic is to be reduced.

“Through these events, we hope to mark the day, engage Travellers in prevention and provide families and communities with an opportunity to light a candle for the many fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles and cousins who have died by suicide.

?