Offaly people encouraged to host a ‘National Tea Break’ for mental health

Suicide or Survives annual ‘National Tea Break’ campaign entitled ‘tea and talk’continues to grow and grow.  It aims to get the nation talking about  mental health, throughout September and up to World Mental Health Day on October 10th.  This year they are making a special appeal to the people of County Offaly to get involved.

The campaign, which is in its fifth year,  encourages friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and community groups to come together and arrange a relaxed tea or coffee break with the intention of talking about mental health and breaking down stigma.

The campaign is being run by Suicide or Survive, which deliverers innovative suicide prevention, mental health and wellness programmes in communities and workplaces throughout the island of Ireland. These programmes include a one day Wellness Workshop, a 2.5 day WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Planning) programme, a Supporters Programme for people supporting others through tough times, the Eden programme for people who are suicidal. They offer a free online wellness workshop at www.wellnessworkshop.ie and Suicide or Survive also work with Wheatfield Prison, the HSE and a range of other community and corporate partners.

After registering for a ‘party pack’ volunteer organisers will receive information on the necessary steps involved in hosting a ‘tea break’, which also hopes to raise funds for Suicide or Survives life changing programmes.

Speaking on the campaign, Suicide or Survive founder and CEO said, “World Mental Health Day is coming up in a few weeks and we want to make sure that mental health is part of everyday conversation and people realise that we all go through tough times.  Its only by talking that stigma can be broken down and it easier for people to look for help when they need it.

“Our vision is a society that sees mental health as a normal part of life and that we invest in our mental health every day in the same way we invest in our dental health by brushing our teeth. Mental health needs to be a priority and looking after it an everyday practice.  A chat and a cup of tea comes naturally to most people and the National Tea Break is a great way to bring mental health into everyday conversation.We’ve already had a fantastic response from the people of Offaly and beyond and we’re looking forward to hearing more about what people get up to as part of this campaign.”

People can register to get involved in the campaign by going onto www.suicideorsurvive.ie, by calling 1890 577 577 or by emailing Jacqui@suicideorsurvive.ie

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