Following the huge response to a series of Suicide Awareness evenings he has been running over the last two years, Clonmel man Joe Leahy, a long-time member of the Irish Association of Suicidology, was moved to take it to the next level.

At the last Awareness evening held in April, Joe promised to ensure that South Tipperary has it’s own dedicated centre for suicide prevention, post-vention and to support families bereaved by and affected by suicide. The centre will help families to access support and services for those with suicide ideation and will provide counselling services for those feeling suicidal and those bereaved by suicide.

Within weeks of publicising his intention, Joe was chairing a 20-strong committee of ordinary and elected members, including South Tipperary coroner Paul Morris, Detective Garda John O’Gorman and members of religious and other groups. Progress is rapid, with several of the established suicide prevention organisations travelling to Clonmel in coming weeks to deliver presentations to the committee.

“When we have heard their presentations, we will evaluate them and then make a decision as to which one is best suited to Clonmel and South Tipperary” said Joe. “We also hope to investigate potentially suitable premises soon. Although the project obviously needs to be carefully thought out and well planned, we have seen too many tragic deaths in South Tipperary in recent years. We need to see this centre delivered as soon as possible” he continued

If you would like more information, or you would like to get involved, contact Joe Leahy on 086-2606988.