Minister of State at the Department of Health, Kathleen Lynch, has launched a ‘High Tea and Talk’ campaign which aims to get everyone talking about mental health throughout the month of September.
Suicide or Survive [SOS] has been running the campaign for three years, and this year it is going to be even bigger with more people supporting it nationwide. World Suicide Prevention Day takes place today, and to mark it SOS will be bringing ‘High Tea and Talk’ to the nation throughout September.
A cup of tea can represent many things: it can make people feel at home; it can convey a sense of compassion and kindness; for some it can even signify a simple gesture of love. This September, SOS wants to encourage the entire nation to take some time out and have a cup of tea with friends, family, or workmates, and when doing so try to bring the conversation around to mental health and wellbeing.
Speaking about the initiative Lynch said: “Since coming into office, mental health has been a priority for this Government and, notwithstanding the severe resource constraints in recent years, we have maintained a focus on this important issue through the provision of an additional €125 million and some 1,150 new posts to develop and modernise mental health services across the country.
“We have been delighted to work in collaboration with organisations like Suicide or Survive on projects like ‘The Little Things’ campaign, and through the NOSP we have partnered with SOS to bring their simple and highly effective wellness workshop to communities right across the country.
“The simple idea of a cup of tea and a conversation speaks right into the heart of breaking the stigma associated with mental health, and I am delighted to be part of this initiative which will raise awareness and help generate funds to progress the work of SOS within the community.”
It might not always be possible to host a tea morning, and so this year SOS has opened a text to donate line for its campaign, allowing people to talk, text, and have a cup of tea. All people have to do is text SOS4 to 50300 to donate €4. All funds raised will go directly towards the charity’s educational and innovative programmes which are delivered throughout the country regularly.
To get involved contact Jacqui at SOS on [email protected] or call 1890 577 577. SOS will send an information pack full of ideas and tips on how to organise your very own ‘High Tea and Talk’ event.
