This afternoon on The Today Show with Gavin Grace, we began a series focussed on suicide and mental health. All this week, various aspects of this serious problem will be explored on the program. Over 500 people in Ireland take their own lives each year, though charities say that this figure is likely to be an underestimation of the reality. Today, Gavin spoke with Noreen Moloney of Ennis who told her heartbreaking story about the deaths by suicide of her husband Christy, and daughter Nicole. Noreen praised the work of people who have supported her, and others, and also urged anyone who is suffering from depression, or following a suicide in their family, to seek help. The Samaritans helpline is 1850 60 90 90 while you can contact Clare Suicide Bereavement Support by text or call on (086) 056 5373. More on this serious issue throughout the week.
Also today, Paul ‘Calso’ Callaghan told us the time is right to get sowing salads and similar types of vegetables, and Patricia Murry of Childminding Ireland spoke about low rates of pay for people who mind kids in their own homes. It comes after the group’s annual survey found that the average weekly pay for such minders here in Clare is less than 130 euro. Childminding Ireland can be contacted on 01 2878466, while their website is www.childminding.ie
Finally, today, Sean Rafter of Youth 2000 told us about a retreat they are organising in Galway this weekend. The group, a lay Catholic initiative is running a weekend retreat in Galway Community College, Moneenagheisha at the end of April from Friday the 27th to Sunday the 29th. It’s free, open to people aged from 18 to 35, and more information is available on www.youth2000.iw
If you wish to get in touch with The Today Show team, email [email protected]
