SOSAD asks people in Louth to break the silence over a cuppa for in June

SOSAD (Save Our Sons & Daughters), has a new campaign running over the month of June, “Breaking the Silence over a Cuppa”, that is aimed at encouraging people to chat about mental health over a cuppa.

The organisation is encouraging the public, be it at home or in the work place, to get comfortable and break down the stigma around talking about mental health. Individuals, community groups and organisations can register to host a tea / coffee break and receive a ‘SOSAD pack’.

Since 2007, SOSAD has worked to raise awareness and help prevent suicide in Ireland. It has worked tirelessly in communities to help those in need feel supported and know they are not alone on their journey.

SOSAD offers support and services for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation, self-harming, depression, bereavement, stress and anxiety, or if someone simply needs to talk.

SOSAD says “if you want to talk, we are here to listen. You can message us, call us, or call into our office.
“We have six offices based in Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Laois from which we provide our services.”

In the 2022 SOSAD provided 17,837 one on one counselling sessions which is up markedly from the 2021 figure of 15,965. It is important to note that this number reflects one-to-one counselling only and does not include phone support, the Messaging Service, or any group work.

Carol Murphy, SOSAD General Manager, said that: “Mental health is a pressing issue in Ireland, with high rates of suicide and mental illness affecting many individuals and communities. We need to break the stigma around our mental health.

“The Irish are great for solving their problems over a cuppa and a chat so please support us in this very simple but effective campaign”.

Find out more about SOASAD and its services at https://sosadireland.ie/.