In this month’s issue, we’ll take a look the work that SOS are kicking off with in 2022…
We are hard at work to bring you more programmes both online and in person. Yes that’s right, we are aiming to be bringing back our live, interactive workshops in person in the second quarter of 2022… We can’t wait!Â
Below you will read more about our plans, upcoming fundraisers and stories from our amazing supporters.Â
At SOS our mission is to create and deliver innovative approaches that educate, inform and inspire people to cultivate good mental health and reduce stigma leading to less death by suicide.Â
We do this with our innovative wellness workshops in both Community and Corporate settings. From WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), Eden, Supporters, Webinars and a full suite for Workplace Wellness, Suicide or Survive has something for everyone to improve and take time for their Mental Health.
SOS also provide online wellness workshops which are fully funded and so are available to the public for free, these have videos, PDFs and activities to help manage your own wellness, in your own time.Â
Covid19 really challenged Suicide or Survive when it came to the delivery of our programmes. Before the arrival of COVID-19, Team SOS would be busy each week offering a variety of workshops to communities, organisations, and businesses all over Ireland. We responded to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns by moving all of our programmes online.
Now, with the relaxing of Covid restrictions we here at SOS are hoping that the next few months brings some level of normality back to our everyday lives and we can begin to reconnect with each other in person whether it be on a personal or professional level.Â
It is our goal to return to face-to-face programme provision in the coming months, whilst retaining some online delivery, and it something we are certainly looking forward to. However, we as a team recognise that there are factors to consider when making this move. Some people may be fearful about contracting COVID, others will be anxious about family and friends. There will be fears around commuting and using public transport, social distancing and the sharing of spaces. Others will perhaps have gotten used to being isolated or may have experienced a reduction in motivation and an increase in anxiety.
We as a team want to reassure you that we have and will continue to adhere to Government Health and Safety guidelines in relation to COVID-19. We will continue to listen to and respond to those who use our services, both in the community and in the workplace to ensure that we are meeting your needs through our programmes in safe, supportive, and enjoyable environments
If you would like to bring a workshop to your community or organisation, please get in touch using the button below, we would love to hear from you.
Catherine Redmond
National Programmes Coordinator
As things start to return to the new ‘normal’ and people start going back to the office, it’s okay to feel anxious about these changes. Here are a few tips to help you feel more comfortable and manage your anxiety.
1. Ground yourself before entering the building by taking some slow deep breaths to reduce stress and anxiety.Â
2. Discuss the rules and protocols with your team, so that everyone is understanding and on the same page about the hygiene measures and physical distancing.
3. Take time to notice any new safety signs in the building and allow yourself extra time to wash your hands.
4.Physically distant doesn’t have to be socially isolating, it’s important to take time to re-connect with your colleagues, even at a distance or outside in the open air.Â
SOS is all about collaboration.
All of us working together to achieve the end goal of breaking the stigma around mental health, and promoting wellness maintenance and recovery as a way of life, with the ultimate aim of suicide prevention. Suicide or Survive needs people like you to help us raise the funds to make this happen
Every little helps so don’t ever feel that your idea is not big enough. The possibilities are limitless from marathons to abseils, coffee mornings to soccer tournaments – there is something for everyone.Â
Whatever your idea, we can support your event in lots of ways, so please contact us for more information.
Email us today on Info@suicideorsurvive.ie
*EXTENDED DEADLINE*
The SOS Abseil has been extended from March to the 20th May and we want you to join us! Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as you abseil 150ft down to the hallowed turf of Croke Park.Â
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to raise mental health awareness and raising much needed funding for Suicide or Survive.Â
Want to know more?Â
Get in touch with us today by emailing Anthony@suicideorsurvive.ie
SOS Supporter- Christine Higgins
In the early 90s mental health wasn’t spoken about in homes, it was brushed under the carpet and heads were buried in sand. Growing up I got first-hand experience of how mental health can affect families, you see my dad suffered from manic depression and schizophrenia. We always knew deep down something was off, but it was never spoken about or openly acknowledged. Before my dad’s mental health suffered, he was the most amazing dad ever, he awoke within me my love for the sea, forest walks and the great outdoors.
To me, a little girl, he was my world.
A strong, tall, hefty man ready to protect me and teach me the way of the land. But somewhere along the way, my dad lost himself, through his own childhood traumas, grief wrapped its claws around my dad and refused to let him go. Where once there was a man full of life with a twinkle in his eye, who loved to entertain playing the banjo to a packed pub. Now stood an empty shell, a man that had given up, a man that couldn’t leave his past behind…
Marathon & Cycling Challenges in 2022
Fancy taking some of these marathon challenges on for SOS ? We would love your support on these fitness & fundraising events. Click on each location below for more information.
LimerickÂ
ConnemaraÂ
CorkÂ
ClareÂ
* The process to set up a fundraising page couldn’t be easier. As you register for the event you will be asked the question ‘Do you want to set up a fundraising page?’ If you select YES, you will have an option to choose Suicide Or Survive from the dropdown list. Once you have completed your registration, your fundraising page will also be created automatically, and you can start your fundraising journey immediately.
Suicide or Survive are now on TikTok. Yes, that’s right, SOS_Ireland is our username, we would love for you to join us or tell your TikTok loving friends to follow us. We have only just started but can’t wait to connect with a different community and bring Mental Health Awareness to the platform.Â