Picture by Marc O’Sullivan: L–R: Lauren McCarthy, Head of Campaigns & Community Fundraising at Pieta, Laura Hallinan, Pieta Supporter, and Fiona Collins, Head of Marketing at Lyons, pictured at the launch of Pieta’s Tea & Talk.
Pieta Tea & Talk Morning returns on Saturday, 10th October for World Mental Health Day, with people across Louth and around the country encouraged to host their own gathering in support of Pieta.
Pieta has once again partnered with Lyons Tea for the campaign, which is designed to encourage conversation and connection while raising funds for the charity’s services.
Laura shares her experience
Supporting this year’s campaign is Laura Hallinan, who is sharing her own experience of bereavement and the support she received from Pieta.
Laura’s brother Conor died by suicide in 2016 and she subsequently accessed Pieta’s suicide bereavement services.
She later hosted a Tea & Talk Morning herself, bringing people together to raise funds while also hearing from others who had been supported by Pieta.
“When my brother Conor died by suicide, I knew this was a different kind of grief, and I sought out Pieta. To be able to connect with a service that could really help me work through how I was feeling gave me everything I needed at that time. So when Tea & Talk launched last year, I thought, ‘This would be a really great thing to do. Can we raise some funds for Pieta?’”
Pieta provides free suicide bereavement therapy nationally, including by phone, video and in person.
‘Every euro raised helps’
Pieta Chief Executive Stephanie Manahan said the campaign helps fund services that are available free of charge.
“We are incredibly grateful to Laura for sharing her experience so openly. Her story is a powerful reminder of why it matters that support is there when someone needs it, and why fundraisers like Tea & Talk are so important.
“Every Tea & Talk Morning hosted and every euro raised helps fund Pieta’s free suicide and self-harm prevention services. This World Mental Health Day, we’re asking people across Ireland to bring their friends, families, colleagues or communities together, host a Tea & Talk and help us be there for people who need support. We can help stop suicide and self-harm, together.”
Pieta offers support to people experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, as well as people bereaved by suicide. Its services are free and no referral is required.
Lyons Tea supporting campaign
Specially marked Lyons Tea packs are also being sold as part of the campaign, with 20c from each pack donated to Pieta.
Fiona Collins of Lyons Tea said:
“At Lyons Tea, bringing people together has always been at the heart of what we do. We are proud to continue our partnership with Pieta through Tea & Talk, encouraging meaningful conversations while supporting the crucial work Pieta carries out in communities across Ireland.
“By bringing specially marked Tea & Talk packs to stores nationwide, we hope to help place the importance of conversation and connection front of mind for people across the country. With 20c from every pack sold donated directly to Pieta, people can also help support its free services.”
People can register to host a Tea & Talk Morning through the official campaign website.
Anyone who needs immediate support can contact Pieta’s 24-hour crisis helpline on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.
