MENTAL HEALTH
Suicide or Survive started in 2003 at Caroline McGuigan’s kitchen table. Drawing on her own experience of depression, anxiety, a serious suicide attempt, 8-years as a psychiatric patient, and an in-depth knowledge of the medical model, Caroline created the Eden Programme. Channelled towards people who had already attempted to take their own life, or those contemplating it, Suicide or Survive’s first foray received a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Level 1 Award in 2006, and a Level 2 Award in 2007. Caroline went on to train as a psychotherapist, mental health advocate, and group facilitator. Her preferred approach puts the power and responsibility back in the hands of the individual. It harnesses the sufferer’s strength, building resilience, nurturing hope and wellbeing, providing practical and educational tools so they can drive their own recovery. It’s a vision that places collaboration and partnership at the heart of the Suicide or Survive strategy, the formation of alliances with people and organisations who share a passion for affecting change in attitudes to mental health. The Eden Programme was the first of many. Workplace Wellness; WRAP, a two-day self-management programme; online and supporters programmes - SOS is attacking antiquated attitudes and spreading the message that it’s okay to talk, that they want to listen and offer support. ‘We have come together to challenge the stigma that surrounds vulnerability and struggle, something we will all experience in our life. We come with good hearts, passion and determination. We come as individuals who believe suicide prevention is for all of us to tackle, and all of us to own.” Who are Suicide or Survive?
response has been incredible.” John is not mentoring 20, but 30 like-minded people who have joined the group. Some are suicide survivors, some are from the construction industry, one a prominent figure at the Construction Industry Federation. “I’m just a coach and mentor to them, if they need to chat. The WhatsApp group between us started out as a platform for training advice, but that has become a feelgood chat room. I’ve never once asked anyone why they want to be part of the challenge. It was the members who started bouncing their stories off one another.” John’s leadership role has not
dented his desire to take his personal fitness to new heights, to keep challenging himself. He will be back in County Kerry next month, proving that you can be extremely fit at 40 with another crack at HARDMAN Waterville. He will continue to pound the pavements and peddle the roads as he plots a path towards October’s Ironman Barcelona. There, in the picturesque surroundings of Calella village on the eastern Mediterranean coastline, John Blake will aim to improve his Ironman PB and raise every possible euro to help answer the mental health SOS.
Suicide or Survive, Stonebridge House, Stonebridge Close, Shankill, Dublin D18 T6HO. T: 1890 577 577 or +353 (0)1 272 2158 E: info@suicideorsurvive.ie www.suicideorsurvive.ie
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