SOSAD Ireland Laois branch has opened Laois office in Portlaoise.

SOSAD Ireland Laois branch has opened their Laois office in Portlaoise. They are temporarily based in Shamrock House, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, R32AH51. 

They are a voluntary-lead suicide prevention charity preventing suicide through early intervention. They provide free 1:1 counselling for anyone feeling suicidal, has suicide ideation, self-harms, has depression, has anxiety or if they simply need to talk. Their counselling is done in person however they can facilitate remote counselling as well. They are hoping to start a bereavement group soon. 

As they are not funded, the money to run their service comes from donations and fundraisers. If anyone in the community has ideas for fundraising SOSAD Laois would love to hear them. All money raised in Laois goes directly into their Laois office.

People can make contact with SOSAD Laois via phone: 0830291706 or email: laoisoffice@sosadireland.ie. Their office hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm. They also have a 24-hour helpline and a messaging service is available on their website www.sosadireland.ie.

Grace Ennis; SOSAD Laois co-ordinator, had this to say about the opening and self-care donation campaign:

“I’m delighted that our office is now open in Laois and we are a part of the great  community that invited us here and have given us huge support through raising awareness, fundraising and donations. We understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help, we are here to listen and support people in a confidential, non-judgemental and safe space.”

“This Christmas we are asking the public to donate self-care packs for people with mental health difficulties. The pack can include chocolates, candles, socks, games etc and can be dropped into our office during office hours. They can be wrapped or bagged and marked with which gender they are for or if they are gender neutral. Members of the community that would like to receive a self-care pack can sign up for one by contacting the office via phone or email and collect it on December 20th.”