East Coast Samaritans on East Coast Radio for 'A very special broadcast dedicated to mental health

On Thursday, 25th of January 2024, two volunteers from East Coast Samaritans, Damien and Barbara, participated in a special broadcast dedicated to mental health with East Coast Radio presenter Declan Meehan. The broadcast, which took place at Druids Glen Hotel and Golf resort, featured several speakers who shared their personal and professional experiences with mental health issues, such as body dysmorphia disorder, suicide, and depression.

The broadcast also featured speakers from other mental health organizations, such as The Endless Spiral, Jigsaw, Aware, and The Anxious Lad, as well as individuals who have been bereaved by suicide or have overcome their own mental health challenges. The speakers included Adam Burke he spoke about Jigsaw and how Jigsaw can support people. Keith Russell who spoke to Declan about body dysmorphia disorder and how it effects people and their self confidence. Brid Murphy, who lost her son Gerard to suicide on the 3rd of January 2011, and who organizes the Gerard Murphy Memorial car show and road run to raise funds and awareness for mental health organisations. Declan then spoke with Katie Murphy, who lost her brother Dylan to suicide 10 years ago, and who shared how her life changed and how she coped with her loss. Georgina Durcan, a life coach spoke about her personal experiences and how she healed through them. Following this, Helen Walshe, a health and life coach talked about routine things that help to look after your space and start your day. Matt Keenan then spoke to Declan. He set up the company The Anxious Lad to help people with mental health issues. Michael Stafford spoke about his journey in mental health and volunteering with Aware support line to help others. Anna Lawler had an emotional interview with Declan. Anna lost her son Eoin, early January 2024. She spoke of her devastation at the loss of her son and highlighted her heartfelt pride for her son.

The speakers could not emphasize enough the need to reach out for support, talk to someone, and use the available helplines.

Damien and Barbara spoke about the mission of East Coast Samaritans, which is to promote mental health and well-being by providing confidential, non-judgmental, and emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope. They also spoke about what it is like to be a volunteer and the importance of listening, encouraging, and empowering callers to explore their feelings and find their own solutions. Barbara quoted, “We all like to be the sun that shines on people’s day, but let us also be the moon that shines on their darkest hour.” Damien also announced that this year marks the 10th anniversary of East Coast Samaritans in September and thanked the volunteers for their dedication, compassion, and generosity.

The broadcast ended with a song by The Sea of Change Choir, a tribute to all those who have lost their lives to suicide and to those who are on their own mental health journey.