Big hearted volunteers helping to prevent suicide

As the recession really takes hold and more people come under financial pressure from different quarters, the risk of increase in suicides is a stark reality. It really restores faith in human nature to see big hearted volunteers from all over Co. Cavan getting involved in 'Living Links Cavan', which was established last year. The dynamic chairman of the committee is Noel Barkey from Ballyjamesduff and the organisation currently has 17 volunteers. "There is still a stigma out there about suicide and we want to get more people talking about it and confronting the issue. We want to get to the stage that if people are feeling low and having suicidal thoughts, that they will talk about it," said Noel. One of the volunteers Brendan Fay, who is a publican in Belturbet, says he hears horror stories daily across the counter in the Widow's Bar as people pour out their hearts. "There are tough times ahead and society will require more and more volunteers like us to play our humble part in preventing suicides." They are all trained in SafeTALK, ASSIST and as Living Links volunteers. Living Links is a national charitable organisation, which supports people bereaved by suicide. The objectives are to provide outreach and support to those bereaved by suicide, to increase awareness and understanding of suicide and its effects on individuals, families and communities. Other objectives include providing families with information on health services available in the region and referral pathways to such services, should professional counselling be required. Fundraisers Brendan Fay recently organised The Widow's Golf Scramble at Belturbet Golf Club, which raised the remarkable total of €4,595, and Brendan and his wife Ailish duly handed over a cheque for that amount to the Cavan Living Links chairman, Noel Barkey last Thursday. Brendan was thrilled that over 100 people turned out from GAA clubs all over the county. He also thanked the generous sponsors, which included Cavan Produce from Kill, Aidan Fitzpatrick who facilitated the use of the Golf Course/Club at a very reduced rate, Paddy Lawlor crisps, and Abbey Glass in Cavan. Brendan also put in sponsorship as well. He hopes to organise other fundraisers in the near future. Brendan, who is also chairman of the Rory O'Moore's GAA club, said he came up close and personal with the tragedy of suicide when a young man who was helping out in his bar took his own life. From that day on he vowed that he would do all in his power to ensure that help would be provided for people who were having suicidal thoughts and generally out of sorts. "My big goal is to make people in Co. Cavan aware that we are here as part of this new organisation, working on the ground in your community. Prevention is a major facet of our work and there is a number there to call," said Brendan. Both himself and Noel Barkey are pushing to ensure that people in all 41 GAA clubs in Co. Cavan become acquainted with the organisation and the courses. Brendan urges people in distress to contact any of the volunteers in Living Links. "We are always here. There are very tough times ahead with this recession. I see it here as a publican at first hand. I know the horrific stories I hear across the counter and it is not pretty out there." Established in Cavan The chairman of Living Links Cavan, Noel Barkey, who lost a son to suicide says that the new organisation is the ideal vehicle to tackle the issue of suicide. He believes that at least one member of every GAA Club or other associations should be trained in the 'SafeTALK' programme. "Through SafeTALK you are able to pick up on signs of people who are feeling low in the community. If that reality is nipped in the bud, then tragic consequences can be averted," said Noel. The Assist Programme is the next course, which is a step up from SafeTalk, and is essentially a first aid for people attempting suicide. The programmes are organised by the HSE and they are presented by Gareth Phelan, who is the suicide prevention officer for this region. "He affords us the language and the confidence to confront people who are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling out of sorts and how to get them help," said Noel Barkey. He emphasises that a brief intervention at the right time in somebody's life who is feeling low, can direct them away from the dark thoughts they are experiencing. In Co. Cavan, a number of trained individuals are available to offer confidential, practical support and information to families who have experienced a death by suicide. The support person at the request of the family can call to the home or meet at a location appointed by the family. Outreach support The Outreach Support worker can provide information and practical support concerning the following areas, - the funeral, inquest, entitlements, what to say to the children, how to deal with the neighbours, help you clarify your personal grief, connect you to support services in your area. They can also provide information on suicide and attempted suicide and be there as a friend for you. Courses to date SafeTALK is a three-hour suicide awareness training programme and is certified by the HSE Suicide Prevention Office. SafeTALK training programmes will take place in Belturbet GAA clubrooms on Wednesday, September 9 at 7.30pm and in Bailieborough on Thursday, October 1 (venue and time to be confirmed). Places for both courses are limited, so please book in advance by phoning Hazel or Lorraine on 04943-36070. Living Links Cavan can be contacted on 086-0235414 or email info@livinglinks.ie or visit the Living Links website on www.livinglinks.ie.