SOSAD Ireland

SOSAD Ireland (Save Our Sons And Daughters) is an Irish suicide prevention and bereavement support charity founded in 2006 by Peter Moroney and the Moroney family. It currently has six offices and counselling centres, in Drogheda, Navan, Cavan, Dundalk, Carrickmacross and Tullamore. It is independently run by a voluntary board of directors.[1]

History

SOSAD Ireland was founded by Peter Moroney, along with the help of family and friends, in 2006 after his second son died by suicide following a long period of depression.

In 2007 the SOSAD website was launched and in 2008 the first SOSAD Ireland office was established in Drogheda, County Louth. Counselling services and emergency response and support were offered immediately.

From 2008 to 2010 three new offices were established in County Meath, County Louth and County Cavan respectively. Since that SOSAD has opened new centres in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan and Tullamore, Co Offaly. Each new office followed the same model as the original, providing information, support and response services once opened.

With the establishment of the Charities Act 2009 SOSAD Ireland became a registered charity, number CHY 17866.

Media

The founder, Peter Moroney, and his family were the subject of an episode of a documentary series entitled "I See A Darkness."[2] The series, made by Yellow Asylum Films, explored the effects of suicide on the family and friends of the deceased.

An annual event organised by SOSAD Ireland, a Mass of remembrance, was chosen to be featured by the national broadcaster RTÈ, in their Sunday morning schedule in February 2011.[3]

Services

SOSAD Ireland offers assistance to those who are considering suicide, who have attempted suicide, and also to the family and friends of those who unfortunately end their own lives.

They provide an emergency phone support service 24 hours a day from each branch, suicide interventions, psychological or suicide risk assessments and free one to one counselling, along with practical support, awareness events and community suicide prevention programs.

References
    1. "Official Website". Retrieved 23 February 2011.
    2. "RTÉ Online". RTÉ. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
    3. "RTÉ Player". RTÉ. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
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