SpunOut.ie Blog

September, 2006

Speaking out about suicide

SpunOut.ie Youth Editor reports back from the Console Conference.

Article by : SpunOut.ie

SpunOut.ie Youth Editor, Marie Duffy, speaks about taking part in the SpunOut.ie presentation at the recent Console national conference on suicide prevention:

Although speaking in public is something that absolutely terrifies me, I immediately said yes to the opportunity of taking part in the Console conference. The SpunOut.ie team of staff Ruairi and Anna, along with youth editors Ian Howley, Jessica McArdle and myself arrived at the Console conference and were immediately made feel at home by the Console people, who were wonderful. 

Gareth O’Callaghan was the MC for the day, I used to love his show on 2fm and had read his book on his own experience with depression titled ‘A new day called hope’ which is fantastic. The Minister for Health, Mary Harney was there and opened up the conference, she left afterwards as she had another engagement nearby, which I suspect could have been the Ryder Cup. I was pretty disappointed that she didn’t stay for our presentation, as I know that we would have made an impression on her.

After what seemed like forever, it was our big moment to present! Ruairi gave a quick rundown on what SpunOut.ie is about and introduced us all. Despite the serious subject he managed to have the whole place in stitches, as only Ruairi can. Jessica was next up and perfectly delivered her story about a girl with an eating disorder and other issues. I was up next and talked about how SpunOut.ie had helped me through a time when I was seriously depressed and how it has encouraged me to ask for help. I was very nervous but the minute I finished I was on such a high- it was as if I had just led Ireland in winning the World Cup, it felt that good!

Ian finished the presentaion with an extremely emotional speech on suicide and sexuality followed by the Melanie C. song and video 'First day of my life'. Throughout our whole presentation you could have heard a pin drop as everyone’s attention was focused completely on the SpunOut.ie crew. 

Afterwards we got great feedback as everyone congratulated us on our moving speeches. Gareth O’ Callaghan, the ex-2fm DJ came up to congratulate us all, as did Frances Black the singer. Everyone was looking for more information on SpunOut.ie and the wallet cards and posters were quickly snapped up as people vowed to spread the word.

The whole day was an amazing experience. Fingers crossed that SpunOut.ie continues to make an impact and that someone puts their money where their mouth is and provides the much-needed funds, which will allow SpunOut.ie to survive.

Come on Guys- help us out!

By Marie Duffy, SpunOut.ie Youth Editor

Console- http://www.console.ie/