Fly the Amber Flag for Pieta House

SCHOOLS, colleges, clubs and societies across Louth are being urged this Spring to fly the ‘Amber Flag’ for Pieta House, the national suicide prevention charity.

The Amber Flag initiative is in its 4th year and over 500 flags have been awarded to date and Pieta is estimating that over 100 more will be awarded to groups this May 2018 under its ownership.

The Pieta House Amber Flag initiative recognises the individual efforts of schools, companies and groups to create healthy, in- clusive environments that support mental well-being, and unites these groups in their efforts, working together toward a happier, healthier Ireland and eradicate the stigmas associated with mental health issues.

In order to be awarded the Pieta House Amber Flag, schools and other applicant groups must host a mental health awareness event, a fundraiser, and a mental health initiative. The programme encourages team work and student contributions and works with school guidance counsel- lors to include a peer-support element.

CEO of Pieta House, Brian Higgins, added, “Our vision at Pieta House is a world where suicide, self-harm, and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care, and acceptance. Challenging stigma is critical to us as an organisation, and the transfer of the Amber Flag initiative to us aligns perfectly with this vision.’

For more information on how to take part in the Amber Flag initiative contact angela.horgan@pieta.ie