Dear all,
As this year draws to a close, we want to pause and say Thank You. To every supporter, volunteer, partner, and friend of Cycle Against Suicide, your belief in our mission has made a real and lasting difference. Because of you, important conversations are opening minds and breaking down stigma, creating space for honest dialogue around mental health and suicide. Through increased awareness and education, understanding is deepening. We are helping parents, teachers, professionals, and communities recognise warning signs earlier, respond with confidence and compassion, and know where to turn for support. These conversations and learning moments are laying the foundation for safer, more informed, and more connected communities.
While Christmas is often filled with light and celebration, we know it can also be a deeply difficult time. For many, it brings loneliness, grief, or silent struggles. Loneliness is a significant risk factor for poor mental health, and no one should have to face it alone, least of all at Christmas. Talking openly about how we really feel can break the silence around distress, reduce isolation, and play a vital role in support.
While Cycle Against Suicide is not a counselling charity, we recognise that some individuals who reach out to us may require immediate support. To assist, we do offer free access to counselling services. This ensures that those in need can receive professional help in a timely, supportive manner. While our primary mission is advocacy and education, providing this essential resource underscores our commitment to supporting anyone who may be struggling. If during this Christmas period, you or a loved one are in distress, please do feel free to contact us – caroline.lafferty@cycleagainstsuicide.com
Other support services available during this period include:
· Samaritans – freephone 116 123 – open 24/7, or email jo@samaritans.org
· Pieta House – freephone 1800 247 247 – open 24/7, email mary@pieta.ie, or text HELP to 51444 (suicide prevention, self-harm, bereavement).
· Aware (Over 18s only) – freephone 1800 80 48 48 – Monday to Sunday from 10am to 10pm (depression, anxiety).
· Emergency Services 112 or 999
Further Supports for older people
Alone – National support and referral line for people over 60. NB You do not need to live alone to access these services. Phone: 0818 222 024 (Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm) Website: www.alone.ie
Seniorline – Confidential listening service for older people provided by trained older volunteers. Phone: 1800 804 591(Monday to Sunday 10am to 10pm) Website: www.thirdageireland.ie/seniorline
For Children and Young People
Childline – freephone 1800 666 666, free text 50101, or register to use their live messaging service (Under 18s counselling).
Text About it – Free 24-hour chat service. It provides everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis. Freetext ‘HELLO’ to 50808 24/7 Website www.textaboutit.ie
In addition to the services outlined below, a full list of national mental health services is available at: www.yourmentalhealth.ie
Northern Ireland
Lifeline Crisis Response: Helpline available 24/7 to people in Northern Ireland. Offers immediate help over the telephone if you or someone you know is in distress or despair Freephone 0808 808 8000
Samaritans: Freephone 116 123 across BOTH Ireland and the UK
AWARE NI: Offer 24 Support Groups throughout Northern Ireland open to people aged 18 and over who are living with low mood, anxiety, depression or bipolar. Belfast: 028 9035 7820 Derry-Londonderry 028 7126 0602 Email: info@aware-ni.org Website: www.aware.ni-org-
Childline: If you’re under 19 you can contact Childline in Northern Ireland Freephone 0800 1111
On behalf of our Patron – Mel Sutcliffe, The Board and entire Cycle Against Suicide team, we want to sincerely thank you for standing with us in the fight against suicide. Your compassion, commitment, and courage are the reason our work continues.
Here is wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful, safe, and hope-filled Christmas.
Kind regards.
Caroline Lafferty
Chief Executive Officer
Cycle Against Suicide
Phone: + 353 87 246 5526
Website: www.cycleagainstsuicide.com