TWO Limerick groups at the coalface of helping people at risk of suicide in the city have been offered a much-needed riverside base.
The Limerick Land Search Team and the Haven Hub have been made an offer, but the building itself is fire damaged and in need of extensive repair. The groups are appealing for construction professionals to weigh in and help them make it fit for purpose.
Currently, the groups’ vital equipment has to be stored in cars and volunteers who find people in distress have to talk to them on site.
An operations base would not only provide space for storing equipment, but a safe and secure place for trained volunteers to talk to people in distress in private.
Families who desperately wait on the riverbank for news from search teams would also have place to go where they can be supported. It will also open up the possibility of further training for volunteers.
Leona O’Callaghan, Chairperson of the Haven Hub CLG, said the organisations have worked together from the start. “We are extremely grateful to the council for this collaboration in meeting the needs of the two groups needing a base.”
Limerick Land Search Team chairperson, Calvin Pendergast said “The determination of both organisations involved in acquiring a shared base will allow us to expand our services (and) achieve the aims of each organisation. We will also be relying on local businesses and individuals to bring the building to operational use.”
Healy Partners Architects in Glentworth Street have already pledged their services at a reduced rate and the two organisations are asking that anyone who can help get the base up and running contact leona@havenhub.ie.
There is also a Go Fund Me page where donations can be made towards the costs at https://gofund.me/ad315d9c.
