Founder of Kilkenny Laois suicide service shortlisted for major Red Cross Award

The founder of a mental health service which operates in Laois and Kilkenny is one of the finalists in the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Award for 2024.

Angela Hayes of Teach Tom was listed in the most prestigious individual category of the annual awards, which the organisers say celebrate extraordinary individuals and organisations making remarkable contributions to humanitarian causes across Ireland and beyond.

Ms Hayes, who is from Kilkenny, is among the nominees shortlisted for the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Award. In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, the organisers said it is the most prestigious individual category and recognises extraordinary humanitarian commitment. She is the charity's CEO.

Teac Tom (The Thomas Hayes Trust) provides immediate walk-in crisis intervention, counselling, and family support for those affected by suicide and mental health challenges. In 2024, Teac Tom delivered nearly 5,000 therapy sessions while raising €300,000 annually to maintain these critical services.

It is headquartered in Kilkenny but has an outreach service and premises in Stradbally.

Teac Tom was established in February 2014 by Ms Hayes, her family and friends. In March 2011, Angela tragically lost her son Thomas to suicide. He was just 19 years old.

Thomas took his life on the anniversary of his dad’s death, also from suicide, in 2002. Overwhelmed by her terrible grief but persevering for the sake of her children, Angela turned her tragedy into becoming a community activist when she realised the suffering within the community experienced by others in similar circumstances.

In 2018, the service was extended to Laois. With the help of a community of supporters and local business, a second purpose-built centre was officially opened in Stradbally in October 2021 to serve the people of Laois and north Kilkenny. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Angela Hayes (CEO Teac Tom) pictured in 2021 with Cllr Conor Bergin, local people, Teac Tom staff and board members, Gardaí at the official opening of Teac Tom Counselling Centre in Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 8, which is also International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. RTÉ broadcaster Sarah McInerney is Master of Ceremonies. The Irish Red Cross will honour former President of Ireland Mary Robinson with a special Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of work advancing human rights, climate justice, and humanitarian causes globally.

"These awards shine a light on the exceptional humanitarian work happening in communities across Ireland and internationally," said Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross.

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"Each finalist has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to making our world more compassionate, just, and equitable."

"What makes these awards particularly special is the diversity of our finalists. Their stories remind us that humanitarian action takes many forms and can begin at any age and in any community across Ireland," she said.

The nomination of Ms Hayes was announced on the same day, (April 22) as Teac Tom was selected for a Movement for Good award.

Teac Tom commented on receiving the award and the €1,000 that goes with it.

“Our mission as a community and voluntary organisation is to provide affordable and immediate services to help those struggling with their mental health or who have been bereaved by suicide. Teac Tom receives no government funding to provide these vital services, and without the generosity and support of individuals, businesses and the wider community, including the Benefact Group and Movement for Good, we would not be able to keep our doors open,” said a statement.

It was one of four Irish charities to been recognised for their vital work in local communities in the Movement for Good Awards, a charitable programme from the Benefact Group, parent company of specialist insurer Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland.

The Awards, now in their sixth year, are part of a wider initiative donating over €1 million to charities across Ireland and the UK in 2025. Nominations were open to the public, who voted in support of these four charities.

Teac Tom has been recognised and supported by the Laois County Council backed Laois Community and Voluntary Awards. It won awards in 2018,2021 and 2024.

Ms Hayes was named Kilkenny Person of the Year in 2024 and has also won of the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Award in the Social Enterprise category.

She holds a BA in Business, Enterprise and Community Development, a BA in Social Enterprise, Leadership and Management, and a Women in Leadership from Oxford University.