Cycle Against Suicide Leaders Congress Event 2017

Cycle Against Suicide Leaders Congress Event 2017 huge success! The photo was taken before the event showing the already massive crowd that filled the arena. Picture: Katie Glavin/ilovelimerick

The University of Limerick Sports Arena played host for the massively successful two-day Cycle Against Suicide Leaders Congress event 2017 which began Wednesday, January 18. The event was focused around a mantra, “It’s okay not to feel okay, and it’s absolutely okay to ask for help”. Cycle Against Suicide used this mantra to spread awareness and positivity in regards mental health and to encourage help-seeking behaviour.

The event was jam-packed with guest speakers in support of Cycle Against Suicide including Helen McEntee TD, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Pat Lam, Connacht Rugby Head Coach, Dr Niall Muldoon, The Ombudsman for Children, Hannah Tyrrell, International Rugby player for Ireland, Sindy Joyce, Sociologist and Irish Travellers’ Rights Activist, and a special appearance from Dustin The Turkey.

Guest speakers spoke about their own personal experiences with mental health issues. Gerry Duffy who completed thirty-two marathons in thirty-two days spoke about how he utilised exercise and fitness to deal with his issues. Guest speaker Aoife Gray placed emphasis on how different roads lead to different recovery paths and ended her speech on a very empowering and uplifting note stating, “It can get better, it will get better and I can promise you this as I am quite literally living proof.”

Musical appearances also featured at the event filling the room with a bustling, uplifting atmosphere where over 3,000 students enjoyed the positive vibes emitted from acts including The Strypes, Orla Gartland, Karl Daly and the High Hopes Choir. Each of the acts received a warm welcome from the audience and a very positive response from students and teachers attending the event.

Many charities and organisations focused around providing help for those suffering from mental health issues had stalls set up at the Cycle Against Suicide Leaders Congress Event 2017 for people to visit. Organisations such as Lisa’s Light, Grow in Ireland, The Samaritans, An Garda Síochana and the RSA, My Mind, ReachOut and much more were present to ensure people at the event knew where to get help and what help was available to them. The stalls offered leaflets, wristbands, pens and other free gifts with details about the organisation on them for people to take away.

The resounding positivity of the guest speakers and acts was evident in the audience’s response. The Cycle Against Suicide Leaders Congress Event 2017 huge success showed as the event was completely booked out by avid passionate supporters of the initiative. The event supported those who are living with mental health issues and reminded people that, “It’s okay not to feel okay, and it’s absolutely okay to ask for help.”

for more information on Cycle Against Suicide click here

for helpful links and information on organisations providing support for those suffering from mental health issues click here