Cork’s Lough lit up for ‘loved ones lost to suicide’

The Lough was beautifully lit up on Friday evening as volunteers from Cork charity Shine A Light: Suicide and Mental Health Awareness gathered to remember lost loved ones.

As twilight fell, volunteers lit candles, lanterns, and torches against the gathering dark, creating a poignant moment of remembrance.

Mick Nugent, a Shine A Light volunteer and board member, told The Echo that the evening’s event was intended as a moment of reflection and a chance to raise awareness of mental health services.

“It was a lovely evening, with music, poetry, and a few words, as we lit up candles and lanterns in remembrance of loved ones lost to suicide, and to show solidarity and friendship with all who might be struggling,” Mr. Nugent said.

The event featured a performance by The High Hopes Choir and a special appearance by Lottie O’Driscoll Murray from Shanakiel, who is currently representing Ireland at the Junior Eurovision.

“We were delighted, as well, to be joined by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Fergal Dennehy, for what was a very special gathering,” Mr. Nugent added.

Shine A Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness was founded on the northside of Cork in 2009, during a time when that part of the city was grappling with a high number of suicides. Since then, the group has expanded its operations across the region.

The organisation provides low-cost counselling through the Social and Health Education Project/Coiscéim Counselling service and regularly runs SafeTalk and ASIST suicide awareness training in conjunction with the HSE.

Other services offered by Shine A Light include bereavement support groups within communities, directing people to supports provided by other organisations, and promoting positive mental health throughout the community.
https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41722818.html

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