Mountmellick suicide awareness
A GROUP of local people in Mountmellick have come together to help the Health Service Executive to organise a host of suicide awareness events and activities.
Darren Stewart got the ball rolling late last year when he organised a charity fundraiser in Dempseys Pub. While the fundraiser was a fun night, it also raised nearly €1,800 for suicide awareness. As a result, Josephine Rigney, HSE Suicide Prevention Officer, has been working with Darren and others in the town to organise activities for the coming months.
A 'SafeTALK' programme will be presented by Josephine in the MDA Museum on Monday, March 22. 'SafeTALK' teaches 'suicide alertness'. It aims to help people engage and connect with individuals who may by at risk of suicide so as they can get further help and care. If you wish to register for this programme, contact Josephine on 086 8157850.
It is also hoped to form a support group for Mountmeillick and surrounding areas though the Midlands Living Links project which provides help, information and support to individuals who have been bereaved by suicide. If you would like to be part of this support group, contact Bernie Carroll on 086 1600641.
Discussions are also ongoing with Laois Youthreach and Laois Sports Partnership with the aim of organising an appropriate and fun mental health awareness event. Mental health is as important as physical health and in our low times, it is our mental health which will help us through.
GROW provides a support and community group in MDA every Monday from 2-4pm. The support group is open to anyone who is going through an emotional or difficult time. The objective is to help members recover from all forms of mental breakdown or to prevent it happening. GROW will also be facilitating a leadership/personal development programme over the coming weeks. If you are interested in attending this, please contact John Farren on 086 8033126 or 057 93 51124.
Finola Colgan, Mental Health Ireland Regional Development Officer, plans to organise an essay/art project for school children over the coming weeks. Finola is also available to deliver mental health and stress management workshops and can be contacted on 086 8353387; www.mentalhealthireland.ie.
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Weather for Portlaoise
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
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