Campaign for LTSP new base has been taken to Dail Eireann to highlight the urgent need for a new base

LTSP new base – A campaign for a new Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention base has been taken to Dail Eireann to highlight the urgent need for a new base in Limerick City.

Campaign for LTSP new base has been taken to Dail Eireann to highlight the urgent need for a new base for Limerick Treaty Suicide in Limerick City

By I Love Limerick correspondent Ava O’Donoghue

A campaign for a LTSP new base has been taken to Dail Eireann to highlight the urgent need for a new base for Limerick Treaty Suicide in Limerick City.

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Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention was established in August 2018 with only 6 members to their name. Since then, the lifesaving organisation has expanded to 40 dedicated volunteers who work four nights a week assisting those who are struggling and at risk of suicide.

While the LTSP has been protecting people and patrolling bridges ever since they started, they have not had permanent premises to continue their operation.

The charity has been adamant about continuing their necessary work with or without a base, which they have done as their lease in John Street expired this January, but it is not ideal and does not allow the charity to provide as much care as possible.

On March 10 the charity was invited to the Oireachtas by Aontú TD Paedar Tóibín which allowed the charity to make their plea as to why a LTSP new base is so important.

“First of all, I have to say I am absolutely delighted and proud that they have come up today because the work they do is really, really important,” Aontú TD Paedar Tóibín said. “They face really difficult situations on a daily basis, they are saving lives. There are people walking around Limerick today because of the work that they do.”

Paedar urged the local and central government to make necessary changes in order to ensure the LTSP have all the facilities that they need to help the people that need it the most.

Aontú Representative for Limerick, Sarah Beasley said in Leinster house, “Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention is a lifesaving community organisation, led by volunteers like the people beside me here today. Volunteers from every part of society come together to be there for people, in their hour of need.”

“The organisation is currently homeless and in desperate need of a new base of operations,” she continued. “This will provide dignity, privacy from onlookers and sanctuary for those we help. It’s a small ask for an organisation that is on the frontline of our mental health crisis, intervening in crucial moments for those at rock bottom.”

As it stands, there are currently 90,000 vacant sites in Ireland. What a vacant site would mean for LTSP is a secure base they can refurbish into a new base and transform the way they provide care for the people of Limerick. 

“What an incredible day,” LTSP shared in a post on their Facebook. “A huge thank you to Aontú for your constant support and to you Peadar Tóibín for trusting in our team. Helping us get our message out there really is appreciated by everyone at Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention.”

For more stories on Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, go HERE 

To donate to Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, go HERE