Tree of Hope ceremonies taking place in Offaly

Midlands Living Links will plant a Tree of Hope to mark World Suicide Prevention Day in Tullamore Town Park on Sunday, September 9 at 1pm.

The theme of the 2018 World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’ which seeks to encourage all of us to engage with each other and to join together to spread awareness of suicide prevention as part of a local and a global community. 

This year, Midlands Living Links Suicide Bereavement Support Services are planting a Tree of Hope at five locations across the Midlands over the week from the September 9 to 16.

The Tree of Hope is a symbol to those who have lost a loved one to suicide and to people living with mental health problems that there is understanding and support available to you.

The hope of Midlands Living Links and all the other organisations offering support, is that people who may be finding life difficult will reach out and ask for help in the knowledge that it will be willingly given.

Edenderry

Meanwhile on Monday evening, September 10 at 7pm, the Darkness Into Light committee in Edenderry are planting a "Tree of Hope " at Edenderry GAA, (Rosderra, Weavers Field).

Under the roots of the tree will be placed all the messages of love and support from the Darkness Into Light walk on May 12.

The ceremony will also include a balloon release for loved ones who left us too soon. On this day also, the committee will be hiding small painted rocks around town, for the finder to keep or to re-hide.

Afterwards, there will be a cheque presentation in the GAA to representatives of Pieta House for the sum of €15,216, raised from the walk. 

Refreshments will be served and we everyone to wear their yellow t-shirts.