HELPING SOMEONE WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST - Find out how YOU can make a difference

Waterford's Lions Club in conjunction with the Samaritans and the HSE Regional Suicide Resource Office with the support of Beat 102-103 and WLR FM are running an information night to highlight a programme called safeTALK, a suicide alertness training.
Waterford’s Senior Hurling Manager Derek McGrath has a high profile involvement with young men in Waterford .His experience in teaching and dealing with the stresses of adolescence allied with his high profile among our target audience and those at the highest risk of suicide, makes him a valuable link between our target group and safeTALK.

Dr Eddie Murphy, Carlow based Psychologist, author on mental health issues and Operation Transformation presenter will also add his considerable experience.

Billy McCarthy of WLR who needs no introduction will act as MC on the night.

Our target audience on the launch night are front line members of the public who come into contact with, through their work, with those at high risk of suicide e.g.

• Taxi drivers
• Publicans
• Sports coaches
• Security staff at nightclubs
• Gardai
• Hairdressers
• Secondary school teachers

Crucially, we are actively involving both local and regional radio stations to publicise the information night, and we also encourage their broadcasting staff to participate themselves. Following this, we would hope these media participants would compile radio programmes/podcasts of their own experience in attending safeTALK and also interviews with fellow participants to continue publicity of our cause.

It has been said that on a national level, the overall approach to suicide prevention can be fragmented, as it involves over 200 government and voluntary bodies. We are attempting to combat this fragmentation and the dilution of educational messages by including the following allies in our efforts:

The ties that bind this unique community initiative together are:

• Waterford Lions Club through the project Chairman and Suicide Awareness Officer  
• Samaritans: Local branch support and co-ordination with their work in schools and community in conjunction with “Smashing Times Theatre Company” testimonials production.  http://vimeo.com/112842882
• The HSE Regional Suicide Resource Office: Local support and co-ordination with ‘Little things can make a difference’ campaign and  www.yourmentalhealth.ie
• Local radio station WLR FM though  pre launch interviews, radio advertising and  MC on the night
• Regional station Beat 102-103:  though pre launch publicity via radio adverts, interviews and distribution of 5000 flyers by the Beat Fleet. Participation in safeTALK and subsequent programmes/podcasts.

We hope that anyone who feels they can make a difference when it is most needed by those in distress or despair joins us at 7pm Tuesday 3rd of November in the Tower Hotel, Waterford

Tony Lee  Suicide Awareness Officer Waterford Lions Club