Finglas remembers its lost loved ones

MENTAL Health Awareness week was kick-started in Finglas on May 10 with a poignant walk of hope in Tolka Valley Park and the planting of a tree to remember loved ones lost to suicide.

The event was organised by local women Catherine Bradley, Sarah Caulfield Cala, Claire Kavanagh and Anne Ellis to remember lives lost to suicide and to raise awareness of mental health.

“We want to let families know we will never forget their loved ones and the walk was also for those living with mental illness to let them know they are not alone and we embrace them in our community of Finglas,

? Anne said.

Anne is campaigning for improved mental health services including 24-hour intervention centres for people in distress.

“Services are available Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm but the reality is that a person can become unwell after 5pm on Friday and all they have is A&E, which is already over stretched and not a place for people who have become unwell in their mind,

? she said.

During the walk a

‘tree of hope’ was planted to provide a place of comfort where people can go to reflect and remember loved ones lost to suicide.

“The tree of hope is a really lovely idea,

? said Anne.

Donations were taken during the event and afterwards in the Shamrock Lodge. Over

?¬400 was raised and the money is being divided between Tree of Hope and Mental Health Reform groups.

Organisers are planning to make the

‘Walk of Hope’ an annual event in Finglas.