SOSAD walk from Dusk to Dawn

SOSAD Ireland is hosting a Dawn to Dusk 7km walk this Sunday, September 12, and they are asking as many people as possible, young and old, to get out and walk to support the suicide prevention and awareness organisation.

Walkers can choose any route or time to walk between 6:30am and 6:30pm. Independent Cllr Brendan Fay is calling on people to come out support “this great cause”.

The call comes ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day, which takes place this Friday, September 10. To mark the occasion, there will be an event in the Old Abbey in Cavan Town on Friday from 2-8pm. People can go along and write a memory stone or light a candle in memory of a loved one.

Christine Wynne, co-ordinator of SOSAD Cavan, told The Anglo-Celt this week that they are the very heart of the community when it comes to helping people. “We are not Government funded and, without fundraisers like this, and support from the local people, we would not be able to keep the doors open,” she said

“Busier than we have ever been” in terms of prevention, Christine says SOSAD is encouraging people to come forward and seek help “before the bad day becomes a bad week and things get out of control.

“We are also there to support anyone who has not done the prevention piece of the programme and are now in crisis and possibly thinking of ending their life and who see no other way out,” she explained.

Christine says that slowing the stigma of suicide has been problematic, but that people are beginning to talk more openly about mental health issues, and that can only be positive. “This is happening, because of awareness and education, we are encouraging people to speak out,” she said. In the wake of the Covid lockdown, SOSAD is fielding calls from people of all ages struggling to adjust.

“There are a huge amount of people suffering with anxiety because, with the flick of a switch, life is suppose to go back to what it was. A lot of people who would not have left the house much due to various Covid related issues, are expected to turn up for work and be the person they were a year ago,” said Ms Wynne.

“Year on year, we are increasing the services we offer and we would hope to continue with that as a result of this fundraiser,” she added.

Walkers can register for the Dawn to Dusk walk via SOSAD’s Facebook page. Participants can pick up their T-shirts atlocations in Cavan are Belturbet, Cavan, Swanlinbar, Ballyjamesduff, Virginia and Bailieboro; or Carrickmacross, Monaghan and Ballybay in Monaghan.

The SOSAD mental health charity offers support and service to anyone struggling with suicidal ideation, self harming, depression, bereavement, stress and anxiety.

SOSAD has offices in Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath and Laois and a number of outreach offices from which it provides vital services.