SOSAD in appeal for volunteers

Dear sir - In 2011, SOSAD-trained volunteers in Navan took 261 calls from people in great distress or very worried about a relative, friend or colleague. We also took 43 calls from people looking for bereavement support following a suicide. That's a total of 304 calls in 2011 compared to 162 in 2010. Every single caller was dealt with promptly in a caring, sensitive and understanding manner. Callers were referred to us or advised to call us from all other agencies that deal with people, especially the A&E depts, local doctors and psychiatric services. A total of 84 people received a massive total of 1,171 free one-to-one counselling sessions in SOSAD Navan last year. Some 1,052 of these hours were to treat people at risk from suicide or depressed, and 199 were for people who needed suicide bereavement counselling. SOSAD Navan spent 63 hours talking to 22 groups of relatives, friends and colleagues following a suicide and provided for 48 bereavement group hours. Volunteers spent 112 hours giving suicide awareness and prevention talks to various groups, including schools, youth clubs, mental health groups and colleges. The figures make it very clear that an increasing number of people rely on SOSAD Ireland in Navan for the care and support they need. To continue to provide this care and comfort to everyone who uses SOSAD, more volunteers are urgently required to provide support for anyone affected by suicide or depression in several ways. SOSAD is now in need of volunteers to fill the roles of administration co-ordinator, administration or office staff and promotional staff. SOSAD Navan also needs people trained in or studying psychology or counselling who can help deal with the increasing numbers of people looking for the specialised and professional support provided by SOSAD. All necessary training for all positions will be provided. Anyone who may be interested and has some time to volunteer for SOSAD in any capacity can call (041) 984 8754 or email info@sosadireland.ie Yours, Peter Moroney, SOSAD founder.