Pieta Suicide Awareness Week

Pieta House, Ireland’s only centre for the prevention of suicide or self-harm is based in Lucan and is almost 5 years old. This is the time of the year when we become a nuisance to our community! A Pieta Suicide Awareness Week commenced on 3rd September and ends on the 10th September which is World Suicide Awareness Week. This is such an important week in our calendar because it allows us to take stock of all that we have achieved and all that we still need to achieve.

We feel it is really important to inform the people of Lucan of what their support has allowed us to accomplish in the last year. It has been a very difficult year in many ways, we have seen a serious increase in demand for our service and the age range has also widened. The youngest person we saw this year was 6 years of age, the oldest being 80. Suicide knows no boundaries, nor class system. Suicide can happen to anyone, rich or poor, old or young male or female. We have recently been aware of the terrible road tragedies where 9 people died on our road in one week at least 10 people die every week by suicide and yet it is still not receiving the reaction it deserves.

This coming week is about spreading the news about our service. It is free of charge, we are open until 8pm four nights a week, we are open on Saturdays, from10am to 2pm and we are on call then for the remainder of the week. Anyone can refer someone; you do not need a doctor’s note or a referral from any other agency.

Please be aware of the symptoms of suicide.
· Change in normal personality - withdrawn, quieter and performance in school or work can change.

· Becoming more and more isolated, spending time alone or in their bedroom - not socialising or doing the hobbies they always did. Not answering phone calls and even turning off their mobile phone.

· Giving away their possessions.

· Expressing the thought that the family would be better off without them, or they see no future.

· Beginning or increasing alcohol consumption or drugs.

We are also looking for financial support. It costs approximately €800,000 to run Pieta House and yet we can depend on only €70,000 from government funding. We would be so grateful if you could support us during this week by doing some little fundraising event at home or at work. For example - a coffee morning, or an afternoon tea party. A dress down day in work or invite people in for dinner and ask them for a donation.

Please help us continue this very necessary service.

Joan Freeman