Everybody knows someone whose life has been touched in some way by suicide. A number of years ago, one of the closest people to me attempted to take his own life, and ever since then, understanding and breaking down stigma around mental health and suicide has been a cause very close to my heart.
Last year, I was blessed to land a job with a charity in my community that does just that, and this year, I’m taking on the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin on June 3rd to raise vital funds so that we can continue to run our programmes in communities and workplaces nationwide.
Our programmes are groundbreaking and the feedback is amazing – they’re designed to bridge the gaps in what’s currently available in this country for people experiencing mental health challenges, and that’s exactly what they do. Until I started doing the work I’m doing, I never realised how strong the stigma actually still is. Until we all start talking about it, that won’t change.
*Thanks everyone for the comments, fav's & follows, in case I don't get around to responding to each one individually*
Based in Dublin, Ireland, started on...
Good luck with your mini-marathon and I hope you raise your much needed valuable funds. I volunteer for a third sector organisation working with supporting people with mental health challenges, and I know how hard it is to keep the doors open.
makes me so mad that projects such as this are struggling so hard for funds, they keep closing things down because they cant keep going without massive dedication to fundraising, the priorities of governments just astound me sometimes. All the best for your run and your worthy cause.
Good luck with your marathon Mel, such a worthy cause. My daughter committed suicide five years ago. It isn't only the family and friends who are impacted by suicide, it is also the ambulance people, the police because they have to be called in case there are any suspicious circumstances, the inquest for the same reason as the police, the coroner who puts the report together, and the list goes on.
Such a good cause. Very shocked and saddened to hear of your tragic loss @onewing . It's good for this to be open, there should be no shame or stigma. Mental health and Dementia is now talked about openly (thank goodness) and suicide should be the same. It may save more lives. Wish you luck Mel.
The mini marathon went great, our team raised well over €3000 (still waiting on a final figure), which will help so many people, you have no idea the difference it will make, so a huge thanks to all who contributed, and thanks again for all your wonderful support :)
September 23rd, 2018
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@onewing . It's good for this to be open, there should be no shame or stigma. Mental health and Dementia is now talked about openly (thank goodness) and suicide should be the same. It may save more lives. Wish you luck Mel.
The mini marathon went great, our team raised well over €3000 (still waiting on a final figure), which will help so many people, you have no idea the difference it will make, so a huge thanks to all who contributed, and thanks again for all your wonderful support :)