Limerick Voice recently caught up with Limerick Suicide Watch (LSW), who have had what they describe as a “fantastic” week, between launches and exciting fundraising events.
Last week, LSW launched their new official app – the very first of its kind in Ireland.
The app, which was kindly created free of charge by AppierCom Ltd. aims to make it easier for the wider public to access mental health services in Limerick.
Lucy O’Hara, LSW Public Relations Officer describes the app as “a one-stop shop where the many mental health providers in Limerick city and county can promote their services, while making it easier for families and persons in distress to access the services required”.
“The app is user-friendly and will provide a brief description of the many services for people to avail of, making it simpler for people to make direct contact by a touch of a button, providing a phone number, email and website. It is also connected to Google Maps allowing people to find the service at ease,” Lucy says.
LSW are hopeful that the app will be beneficial to those in distress, suicidal or for somebody who maybe concerned about a person’s well-being, and hopefully save lives.
Among those attending the launch of the app held in St Mary’s Cathedral last weekend was Metropolitan Mayor Daniel Butler, who says: “the app will be an incredible resource to the people in crisis or struggling.”
Patrick Fitzgerald of Limerick Mental Health agreed, stating: “”I am a firm believer in this app, and that it will make a difference to people’s lives”
Also in attendance at the launch were Senator Maria Byrne, Maurice Quinlivan TD, Tom Neville TD, Jan O’Sullivan TD, and Cllr John Costello.
Many speakers on the night that expressed their admiration for LSW for coming up with this wonderful initiative, including representatives from the emergency services, drug and alcohol awareness groups and homeless support organisations.
Tom Morrisey of Limerick’s All-Ireland Hurling Champions also showed his support at the event, as well as musician Conor Ward who performed his song “Hope”.
“We would like to thank everybody who attended our launch, to fundraisers, the public, organisations and businesses for helping to support Limerick Suicide Watch and a special thank you to all our volunteers for being there for people whom are distressed and contemplating suicide, and for giving them hope,” says Lucy.
To download the free app, go to www.limericksuicidewatch.ie
Just two days later, LSW saw two more successful fundraising events: the Drive Against Suicide Limerick, and the Thumbs Up for Benny Semicolon Tattoo event.
Over one hundred cars took place in the Drive Against Suicide on Sunday October 30, which was organised in aid of Limerick Suicide Watch and Limerick Marine Search And Rescue Service.
“We would like to say thank you to the Drive Against Suicide Committee for all their hard work on organising a brilliant drive from start to finish. It was a great day for all the family full of fun, laughs, sharing memories and making new ones with amazing friends,” says LSW.
On the same day, over 200 people gathered at Old Town Tattoo in the city to get a semi-colon tattoo in an event organised by the family and friends of the late Brendan ‘Benny’ McNamara.
The meaning of the semi-colon tattoo is: “this not the end but only the beginning”.
Proceeds of the event went to Limerick Suicide Watch, who says that those involved “have done Benny proud, with so many people lining Cecil Street for hours on end for their tattoo.”
“Two events to remember those we have lost by suicide, where people come together to support one another to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health.”
