Talent for change

SpunOut.ie interviews Jessica Boyle about organising a charity fundraiser.

Jessica is organising a variety show for Console, an organisation that helps families bereaved through suicide and tries to reduce the rates of suicide in Ireland. The show will take place in the Firkin Crane, Cork City on the 4th of July.

SpunOut.ie: What sort of entertainment is on offer at your variety show?
Jessica: There will be all sorts of entertainment available at the show. There will be a lot of different dancing from students at the dance course in Colaiste Stiofán Naofa and different groups from around Cork. There will be a comedian from the Comedy Club, some drama pieces, music from different bands and singers also. I will be holding a raffle at the show and am currently trying to get prizes for that. I'm still looking to fill some slots so if anybody out there has an act they'd like to contribute, then I'd be more than happy to put them in the show. (To contact Jessica email emily@spunout.ie)

SpunOut.ie: So tell us about what motivated you to organise this event?
Jessica: I wanted to organise this event because I love dancing, and I think that there’s no better way to raise awareness for a charity than a fun night that people will hopefully remember. I chose Console because I believe they are an amazing charity that help not only people feeling suicidal, but the families that are affected by it. I think suicide is a topic that isn't talked about or helped enough and people need to be aware.

SpunOut.ie: What are your thoughts on suicide in Ireland?
Jessica: I think that suicide in Ireland is a lot more common than people like to think. It needs to become more widely known so that families and friends can help, and will know the signs to try and stop people before they take their own lives. People don't know what support there is out there for them. I think we all need to break the stigma around suicide and be more open to talking about it.

SpunOut.ie: How has this experience been for you so far?
Jessica: I am only in the starting stages of organizing this and it’s been going really fast for me. The support I'm getting from people is great and it’s amazing how many people want to help when you tell them about it. It's been great for me to see how much people actually care about this, and it makes me feel hopeful about the show, but it will only work if everybody gets behind this charity.

SpunOut.ie: What advice would you give to other young people looking to organise a charity fundraiser?
Jessica: I would say mainly not to be afraid of getting stuck in and asking for help. People out there are very willing to help even in these hard financial times. If you ask a lot of people for little, instead of a small amount of people for a lot you will get there. Make sure to talk to the charity you want to raise for and see what help they can provide to you. Make a committee if possible so that the burden of it doesn't all fall on you. The more people helping, the better.

SpunOut.ie: How will you feel when the event is all over?
Jessica: I'm not sure how I'll feel when this is over. It's giving me something to work towards at the moment, and if it goes well then I'm hoping to do more shows and make it an annual thing if possible.

Contact Console:
Website: www.console.ie  E-Mail: info@console.ie Helpline: 1800 201890
Console supports and helps people bereaved through suicide. It also promotes positive mental health within the community in an effort to reduce the high number of attempted suicides and deaths through suicide.