There’s nothing like a nice cup of tea and a chat! Its great to sit down with a friend or colleague, relax and enjoy the refreshing taste and the conversation. The amazing thing is that conversation can go anywhere. Whether it be romance or family, holidays or finance, TV or our favourite restaurant. However it will rarely be about our mental health. It’s like as if that is an area that just can’t be talked about. But together we could change that!
You see deep down we all know that experiencing a mental health problem is simply part and parcel of the ups and downs of life and can happen to any of us, but it’s the silence around mental health which stops people seeking help and makes the experience of being unwell even more difficult.
You don’t have to be an expert to support someone who is going through a tough time. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is to let someone know that you are there for them and simply listen. Depression has many faces, it can affect everyone and anyone.
At Suicide or Survive we strive to break down the barriers associated with mental health. Our ambition is to create a society where people feel comfortable to embrace their mental health wellness, where those in difficulty and those around them aren’t scared, and know where to turn for help. We are working to build a society where those with difficulties are treated with dignity and respect, and experience a service that offers them hope, a safe place and a positive future.
Experience has shown us that active collaboration drives positive social change. We are absolutely delighted to be working with See Change (The National Mental Health Stigma Reduction Partnership) and Newstalk to raise awareness of mental health issues. Combined we can go a long way to breaking down the stigma that still exists in Ireland today.
So let’s get back to that cuppa and a chat! We would be delighted if you could take part in our “High Tea & Talk” national campaign between the 6th and 13th September by hosting a Tea Morning for your family and friends. This will help us mark World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September, 2013) while raising vital funds for SOS.
Suicide or Suicide, in partnership with See Change and Newstalk, will be leading this campaign by hosting our own High Tea and Talk morning at Buswells Hotel on the 10th of September from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and we are inviting anyone and everyone to call in and join us for a cup of tea, a bun and most important a chat. If they want to make a donation fantastic but if not sure won’t we have started the conversation.
If you would like to host your own High Tea and Talk event we would love to support you. You can contact Louise on louise@suicideorsurvive.ie or 1890 577 577, for our High Tea and Talk pack.
