With the help of ‘Action For Suicide Prevention Dublin’, approximately 100 people came together at Dame Street’s Central Bank, armed with only their voices and cardboard signs. From there, they marched down by College Green, across the Liffey and up towards the Garden of Remembrance.
With the budget taking place this week, the aim for the march was to attempt to generate as much noise as possible in order to remind people of the importance of mental health services.
During the budget announcement, the Minister for Primary Care, Mental Health and Disability, Kathleen Lynch announced that the Government will continue to allocate an annual sum of €35 million towards mental health services.
The march was organised by ‘Action For Suicide Prevention Dublin’ along with Jamie Harrington (16), a teen who gained recognition after saving the life of a man who was attempting to take his own life at the Ha’penny Bridge in 2014.
“Jamie is a legend,” exclaimed marcher, Ryan McDermott, “he does so much work and really cares about people. He’s going to march for the homeless tonight as well.
“We all know someone who’s been hurt because of their own problems. We’re marching in their memory and to give a chance to anyone who might suffer in the future,” he added.
An estimated one in five people are directly affected by a form of mental health issue in their lifetime. There are many helplines and useful websites that you can access if you, or someone you know, is experiencing mental health concerns.
Pieta House (Pieta.ie) – 01 601 0000
Samaritans (Samaritans.org) – 18 506 09090