DJ Nikki Hayes is first ambassador for Marine Watch
DJ and author Nikki Hayes has become the first Marine Watch ambassador having seen first-hand the excellent work done by the voluntary group.
Nikki who is a well known mental health advocate went on patrol with some of the Marine Watch volunteers on Wexford Quay to see the work they do on a weekly basis.
‘I’ve always been aware of both Marine Watch in Wexford and Taxi Watch in Kilkenny as they are both community based volunteer groups who are doing great work in the prevention of suicide. I was invited to Wexford recently by Frank Flanagan of Wexford Marine Watch and I was delighted to be able to go out on patrol with some of the volunteers. It was a real eye-opener for me to see what hard work they do.
‘They are on their feet for hours, often in freezing and wet conditions. It’s very tough but the work they do is really beneficial to the whole community.
‘The night that I was on patrol was absolutely freezing and I hadn’t thought to wear thermal socks. My feet were so cold they actually hurt. It really gave me a sense of the conditions the volunteers have to face every night.
‘On the night I was there we had a couple of calls from the gardai about people who they suspected might be about to make a suicide attempt and two of these people, when they saw us on patrol, left the area safely which was a great result.
‘It’s a real eye opener. Marine Watch makes a massive difference to people who may be about to die by suicide. It doesn’t help either that so many bars open out onto the quay late at night. However the gardai seem to have a very good relationship with Marine Watch as do members of the public who are concerned about a person’s welfare. It is a testament to the good work being carried out by the group and how the public has seen the benefits and embraced the work they do.’
Nikki said that she believes the work done by Marine Watch could be rolled out to areas around the country.
‘I think the Government should be funding such community based initiatives or at least have some input into them because the work these volunteers too is invaluable. They are giving up their own time both patrolling and fundraising.
‘You can see the fruits of their efforts too in Wexford as they have eradicated death by suicide along the quayfront and bridge since they were established.’
In her new role as Wexford Marine Watch ambassador Nikki plans to take part in regular patrols with the volunteers.
‘I will definitely be down again and I’m already planning to take part in patrols once a month. I didn’t want to just put my name to it and then do very little else. I passionately believe that you need to keep engaged with a group if you are an ambassador and the best way to do that is to help out. I also will be raising awareness for the group.
Frank Flanagan, CEO of Marine Watch, said he was delighted with Nikki agreed to come to Wexford after he reached out to her.
‘We were delighted to have a visit from such a well-respected advocate for mental health and someone who understands the failings of the Irish mental health service. She has had meetings with Minister Simon Harris to discuss the problems that every community in Ireland is faced with.
‘Nikki has also agreed to become the very first Ambassador of Wexford Marine Watch – a proud moment that has given our volunteers a massive boost and we look forward to working alongside her in the future.’ Marine Watch volunteers patrol the bridge and quayfront several nights a week in a bid to combat suicide in the community. Trained volunteers give distressed people alternative options and put them in touch with local services who can assist. It has dealt with nearly 300 incidents and prevented 130 people from self-harm in just over five years.
”You can see the fruits of their efforts. They have eradicated death by suicide along the quayfront and bridge”