On Friday, the 4th of February I attended the Official Opening of Pieta Mid-West.
The first Pieta House, the Centre for the Prevention of Self-Harm or Suicide, opened its doors in Lucan, Co. Dublin in January 2006 after Joan Freeman, a practising psychologist, closed down her own counselling business and spent three years researching how she could help people who were suicidal. The Centre quickly became a respected and recognised service for those who were suicidal. Joan also recognised the need for a service for those who were self-harming, due to the fact that this was a topic never discussed and rarely understood.
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| Photo by Munsterimages.ie |
The opening day itself saw a huge turn out with many people traveling down from Dublin to view the new house and support the many people involved. The opening marked a very positive step forward in terms of Mental Health services which were unfortunately badly needed in Limerick and the Mid-West area. Several guest speakers, including Cllr. Maria Byrne, Mayor of Limerick, spoke about the hard work the volunteers and friends of Pieta have carried out in order to make the opening of Pieta Mid-West a reality before guests were treated to refreshments, finger food, a wine reception and music.
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| Photo by Munsterimages.ie |
The ILoveLimerick.com were also present to film the long-awaited occasion and Pat Browne of Munster Images was on hand to take a few snaps, as well as photographer Theo Hayes.
You can donate to Pieta House by clicking here.
Until Next Time,
Samantha (Sami) Long
Miss United Nation Ireland 2010
Miss United Nation Europe 2010
