SUICIDE OR SURVIVE

SOS Team

We have come together to challenge the stigma that surrounds vulnerability and struggle – something we will all experience in our life. We come with good hearts, passion and determination. We come as individuals who believe suicide prevention is for all of us to tackle and all of us to own.

Caroline McGuigan & John Pender – Founders

 

 

“Because we truly, truly care” – Caroline McGuigan

“Passionate belief that given the right environment, people can take back control of their own lives” – John Pender

Paula Lawlor – CEO

Paula Lawlor is the CEO of Suicide or Survive, a Chartered Organisational Psychologist, and CBT Therapist.  Paula has been working in the area of Mental Health for over 30 years in a range of roles including Senior Psychologist and Deputy Director of Research, Innovation and Business Excellence with the Rehab Group, Partner in Webster Lawlor and Associates, National Programme Manager with Suicide or Survive, Lecturer in UCD and IICP, and in private psychotherapy practice.  Paula has a passion for supporting people to achieve their potential whatever their life journey may bring

Joan Wall – Operations Manager

Joan Wall joined the SOS team in May 2023. She brings 20 years management experience in the nonprofit sector, having most recently worked in a similar role in an organisation seeking to empower young women in their leadership. 

As Operations Manager Joan supports the CEO in the delivery of the Strategic Plan and the overall development of the Organisation. Joan brings strong organisational skills, governance experience and a passion for breaking stigma. 

Joan sees great value in empowerment and in her previous roles has been privileged to provide safe places that embrace people without prejudice and enable them to flourish. She has experience in developing programmes for young women with emphasis on self care, wellness and training in supporting peer mental health.

Joan holds an MA in Social Justice and Public Policy and a Diploma in Human Resource Management. Outside of work she enjoys spending time at the sea, pilates, walking her dog and going to gigs. 

 

Anthony Doran – Project and Events Coordinator

Anthony joined the team in Suicide or Survive in May 2019, previous to this he has worked in the events & entertainment sector. He has vast experience in live events , event management as well as owning his own clubs & bars and has brought all of this knowledge this into his role.
Anthony’s passion & drive is to create new, dynamic fundraising events & build relationships with new & existing supporters of SOS.
He has a huge love of music & sport and spent 10 years in a successful Irish band , touring the world & achieving platinum album sales.

Catherine Redmond – National Programmes Coordinator

Catherine joined SOS in January 2018, she has 13 years’ experience working at a senior management level in the field of Drug Rehabilitation. Catherine brings with her a wealth of experience of working within the community sector and is passionate about working in this area.

As well as being a WRAP Facilitator, Catherine is a Qualified Restorative Practitioner and studied Adult Guidance and Counselling with the National University of Ireland Maynooth, she also holds a Certificate in First Line Management from the Institute of Leadership and Management and in Addiction Studies from NUI Maynooth.

“I attended a Wellness Workshop back in 2012 and was blown away by what I seen as a new and innovative approach to mental health services. I knew then that I wanted to be involved in SOS in some way. I am proud to be part of an amazing team of people who are so committed to working with people and meeting them where they are at in their lives. To be a small part of someone’s life journey is a very humbling experience and something that I am very proud of.”