Waterford Junior League team up with Pieta
The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr Jason Murphy and John Dempsey, National Community Funding & Advocacy Team Lead Pieta are pictured with the Waterford & District Junior League representatives Ger Murphy, Barbara Scannell and Colin Power. Photos: Noel Browne.
The Waterford and District Junior League is proud to announce the launch of a new mental health initiative, You Are Not Alone, in collaboration with Pieta, a charity that offers free, confidential supports to anyone in suicidal crisis, self-harming & those bereaved by suicide, which is been supported by St. Dominic's Credit Union The You Are Not Alone initiative, officially launched on World Mental Health Day, Thursday 10th October, aims to create awareness by signposting the supports of Pieta in our clubs & communities, to support those in suicidal crisis and to signpost the free nationwide, 24/7 support services offered by Pieta.
Pieta approached the Waterford and District Junior League with the proposal to support this community initiative, which will see pitch-side signs displayed across the Waterford Junior Leagues clubs & communities in Waterford. The signs, prominently placed, will provide information on how to access the potential life-saving free services and supports offered by Pieta. Waterford FC, and the Regional Sports Centre will also be participating by erecting signage at their ground to improve local awareness about suicide and self-harm prevention.
John Dempsey of Pieta said, "Pieta are delighted to partner with the Waterford and District Junior League. This initiative holds great potential to save lives and provide support across our clubs & communities, by signposting our essential crisis intervention service. The amount of footfall from clubs across the league on a weekly basis is huge, and to signpost essential services across clubs can only be a positive to support local communities.
“By working with local sports clubs & communities, we can reach more people, in rural & urban areas, and ensure that suicide and self-harm prevention is a priority, and no one feels they are alone."
Ger Murphy secretary of the Waterford District Junior League said: "We're delighted that so many of our clubs have agreed to support this initiative and as a league we're happy to support such a cause. This initiative will also see two signs erected at Ozier Park and we will look forward to this continued partnership with Pieta."
Clubs will be provided with signage, with the support of St. Dominic’s Credit Union, as well as downloadable assets for use within their grounds, clubhouses, and changing rooms.
About Pieta Pieta offers a free professional one-to-one, in-person, phone or video therapeutic counselling and 24-hour phone and text crisis prevention services to those who are in suicidal crisis. We are there for people in urgent need who are self-harming, struggling with suicidal thoughts, or have been bereaved by suicide. Pieta provides a free nationwide service that offers immediate support from our qualified therapists. They are available by phone and in person to those who need help.
Find out more at Pieta.ie
If you are thinking of self-harming, suicide, or have lost someone to suicide, you can access free support from Pieta’s professional therapy and counselling:
online at Pieta.ie Over the phone by calling 0818 111 126 If more immediate crisis support is required, you can contact the Pieta Crisis Helpline 24/7 at 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 Pieta’s Crisis Helpline is staffed by therapists 365 days a year to offer immediate support over the phone.
