After more than 3 years in the making, Catherine Mc Bennett of The Niamh louise foundation launched her new Book ‘the last taboo ‘at a special ceremony on 10th Oct –World mental health awareness day. The event which was attended by many from the community, voluntary and statutory sector included dignitaries on a regional bases such as mayor of Dungannon, South Tyrone Borough council , Phelim Gilder new and his wife Geraldine, Former mayor Kenneth Reid, Dr Eddie Rooney Head of the PHA, Ivan little Patron of the Charity & Journalist, and Sharon Killen of the community foundation who were funders of the project under ‘the voices programme’.
The Book itself tells the stories of a loved one who has died by suicide and is told by a close family member who retraces their loved ones steps until the day they died. The stories are through the eyes of a wife, a father, a mother, a brother and a daughter. The location of the stories are from various counties within Northern Ireland, different backgrounds, different circumstances, but all telling the same underlying message with the hope that their story may help another individual or family in crisis .The book also attempts to destigmatise the whole concept of suicide and people asking for help due to their emotional status.
On the evening, a Policy brief was presented to Dr Eddie Rooney Head of the Public Health agency. It is hoped that the findings evaluated from the book will help direct Government and Statutory agencies in the fight against suicide within our community.
Many thanks to Grainne O Neill, staff member of the Niamh louise foundation for her contribution in creating such a complex Policy brief for presentation.
At the event, all attending had the opportunity view the services of the charity at their head office in Killybrackey and network with staff &volunteers throughout.
The charity would like to thank the staff & many volunteers for their tremendous efforts in the organisation of the event, the bereaved families for their input into the book and their attendance and especially Catherine Mc Bennett for her vision and conviction for commencing &finishing such a vital piece of work. The charity is also indebted to the many sponsors of the project but especially would like to thank the Community foundation of Northern Ireland for their support and help in the venture from start to finish.
The next important event from the charity will be our ‘light in the dark ‘event to celebrate and remember the lives of all those in the borough and further afield who have died by suicide. This will take place on 9th Dec 2012 which will include a candlelit walk from Killybrackey to Dungannon square, reflections from key personnel within the charity and community, musical interludes in keeping with the occasion and remembering our loved ones who have died by suicide at Xmas with the placement of messages on the Christmas tree. Please ask for further details.
The Books and Policy brief are available from any committee member or at the centre in Killybrackey.Please contact the charity by email info@niamhlouisefoundation.com/02887753327 or visit www.niamhlouisefoundation for regular updates.
