A national campaign organised by Suicide or Survive plans to get the country talking about mental health for the next four weeks and more.
Now in its fifth year the ‘National Tea Break’ campaign encourages friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and community groups to come together and arrange a relaxed tea or coffee break with the intention of talking about mental health and breaking down stigma.
After registering for a ‘party pack’ volunteer organisers will receive information on the necessary steps involved in hosting a ‘tea break’, which also hopes to raise funds for Suicide or Survives life changing programmes.
Speaking on the campaign, Suicide or Survive founder and CEO said Caroline McGuigan, “World Mental Health Day is coming up in a few weeks and we want to make sure that mental health is part of everyday conversation and people realise that we all go through tough times. Its only by talking that stigma can be broken down and it easier for people to look for help when they need it.
“Our vision is a society that sees mental health as a normal part of life and that we invest in our mental health every day in the same way we invest in our dental health by brushing our teeth. Mental health needs to be a priority and looking after it an everyday practice. A chat and a cup of tea comes naturally to most people and the National Tea Break is a great way to bring mental health into everyday conversation. We’ve already had a fantastic response from the people of Clare and beyond and we’re looking forward to hearing more about what people get up to as part of this campaign.”
People can register to get involved in the campaign by going onto www.suicideorsurvive.ie, by calling 1890 577 577 or by emailing Jacqui@suicideorsurvive.ie