Fundraiser for North West STOP organised by Sligo Traveller Support Group

On Tuesday February 13 Sligo Traveller Support Group (STSG) will be hosting a Pancake Tuesday fundraiser in aid of North West STOP from 10.30 am-2pm. North West STOP provide free counselling supports, education and other suicide prevention services and resources across the region for anyone that may be struggling with poor mental health.

The fundraiser will take place at the office of STSG located in Cranmore (F91Y59C) and is open to all to attend.

Mental Health worker with Sligo Traveller Support Group Jamie Murphy said “There is no community in Ireland that has not been impacted by the issue of poor mental health and suicide and unfortunately for the Traveller community it is beyond crisis point.  Suicide accounts for approximately 10-11% of Traveller deaths and the rates are at least 8 times higher than the general population. The issue was also highlighted recently in the heartbreaking RTÉ documentary on 12 year old Patrick McDonagh who died by suicide. While its vital that we highlight what is happening on the ground and tackle the crisis its critical we also focus and promote the existing help out there that is available for people that may be struggling. We would always recommend to first contact your GP but there are also lots of brilliant organisations that can provide free, non judgemental and confidential supports. One of those groups is North West STOP who have being providing such support across Sligo, Leitrim and the wider region for many years. We would ask as many people as possible to come to our fundraiser and help this brilliant organisation. If you are not in a position to donate please still do come along for a chat and some pancakes. Bringing people together to meet and talk is just as important as fundraising”