Offering a sympathetic ear all year round

Christmas can be a very emotional time, the highs of the season can also be accompanied by lows. For some those lows can be very difficult. Offering a sympathetic ear all year round SOSAD's vital service comes into its own at this time of year.

Co-ordinator with SOSAD Cavan Christine Wynne said public support is vital for the continued work of the organisation: “In this season of goodwill SOSAD Cavan would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the continued support the communities around the county and beyond have shown us and helped to keep the doors open.”

For Christine the courage of the service users is why SOSAD works: “To those who take the first scary step to come through the door and look for support that they need in their recovery. That step is a major one but without you all having the courage to do that we wouldn’t be here. “

There are a myriad of contributors across the community that make the organisation so successful: “Help comes from fundraising, from the smallest ones that all add up, to the amazing large amounts like the Mickey Muff Tractor Run, Aidan Brady Run, Ballinagh Cycle, Loop the Lakes, Ramor Mc Ra events and Cavan Colour Fun Run, Paddle for SOSAD to name but a few.

“To those that help out at these events, to the boxes of tea bags, coffee, biscuits that are dropped in. To spreading the word and advising people to come and ask for help. To the clubs, schools and workplaces that help us in the fight to break the stigma and spread the awareness around mental health challenges and suicide,” Christine told the Celt

The viability of SOSAD is a all to do with the volunteers: “The amazing passionate volunteers, 42 of them, keep the office open. They give their time for free, undergo training and step in whenever needed 24 hours a day. They include those we see regularly on reception, in the drop in centre, doing the initial intake, along with the psychologists and professional counsellors who do an amazing job. And not forgetting those we don’t see, the ones who take the phone lines over night to unsure there is always someone there. “

At this time of year the charity extends their thanks to all who contribute to it: “We cannot thank everyone individually and there are no words to express our gratitude. Over the years we have had some amazing fundraisers held on our behalf and some are run on a regular basis but we would like to give a special mention to The Clutterbug Shop in Arva.

“This charity shop looks after a lot of different things but they have been a constant to us on a monthly basis over the last 5-6 years and this year they reached a massive milestone of donating €30,000 for SOSAD. They are a prime example of using the bottom up approach which we firmly believe in. Local people supporting local communities to then keep the money in the county to support those on our own door steps as we all know difficult times can fall on any of us, at any time,“ Christine said.

SOSAD receive no government funding so they are 100% reliant on donations and can guarantee that all donations stay in the county. Christine encouraged anyone in need to availe of the service over the Christmas period: “Remember that Christmas can be a wonderful time but it can also be a very hard time for some. Check in with neighbours, friends and family. Not just for Christmas day but in the run up to it especially if you know someone is struggling. Although we too have to take a break, our phone lines will be available 24 hours a day over Christmas 049-4326339. Also if anyone is in need of financial help reach out to the Lions Club Cavan or St. Vincent’s De Paul.”

The co-ordinator had a very simple final message: “Happy Christmas to everyone and thank you from the SOSAD Team. “

 

A trained suicide intervention officer is available 24 hours a day every day of the year. The contact number is 049 432 6339 / 083 423 9090 or email cavan@sosadireland.ie or visit ww.sosadireland.ie