This day marks the beginning of Suicide Prevention Awareness Week. It would be fair to say that this week means something different to all of us. For some it is a time to remember those lost to suicide. For others it’s an occasion to raise awareness, letting those in need know it is ok not to be ok and to talk. It is also a time where we can remember our own personal struggles. For us, Suicide Prevention Week is a time to increase awareness about the services available in our community that offer help to people who are in difficulty, distress or in crisis. It is also a time to reflect on how a death by suicide has touched us and the community we live in. For our part, the FSN will launch an awareness campaign to mark World Suicide Prevention Day and we are hosting a series of events to generate awareness of the support and lifesaving service available in the Finglas community and neighbouring areas.  

 

During this week we would like to share our message of hope: that as a community we need to embrace people who are experiencing despair by working together and creating a supportive society. We would also ask people to reach out and come together within their communities to take part in these life saving events.

 

The FSN believes that Mental Health Care is a fundamental human right, and our service ensures that anyone seeking help is not turned away due to waiting lists or low income, and therefore, receives immediate professional care. 

 

Because of our dedicated work in preventing suicide, we believe we are helping the most vulnerable people in our community by offering counselling support to all and where appropriate free of charge. With very limited financial resources, the continued increase in demand on our service to provide professional care is difficult to sustain. Nevertheless we are thankful that we can continue our lifesaving work.  

 

Of course, none of this is possible without the help and support of our amazing counselling personnel, our wonderful volunteers, the Friends of FSN and many others who support us. We particularly acknowledge the tireless efforts of our committees and community partners.  

 

Thank you for supporting us during Suicide Awareness Week. Our hope is that together we can create better awareness about the importance of fostering a culture where we look after and care for one another, so that together we can help make our community a better place for all of us to live in.