SOSAD is busier than ever before
SOSAD is busier than ever with up to 200 clients a week seeking their services.
Unlike recent years, when the winter months would see a rush of new clients, this summer has seen an upsurge in numbers.
‘ We get a lot of people walking in, but luckily in Drogheda, we have a place to go, SOSAD,’ Peter Moroney states.
PETER Moroney likes to smile. A release in many ways, he lives with the problems of others on an hourly, daily, weekly basis.
But it seems at times he was born to do this, to lead and help, to bring comfort and advise in equal amounts.
He smiles most when he walks through the office of SOSAD, just listening to those around him.
There are 100 volunteers in SOSAD in Drogheda. There are 60 counsellors and 20 psychologists in that number.
‘I am amazed at our volunteers,’ he states. ‘ The way they look after people and talk to people, it makes me smile when I pass them.’
He sees people who six months previously were in the depths of depression, maybe suicidal, and now they are talking, enjoying a cup of tea.
‘ They do all the work,’ he adds. SOSAD has a fixed rota of volunteers so people become familiar with their counsellor, making it a family-like supportive team.
But unlike recent years when the winter months would see a rush of new clients seeking help and advice, this summer has seen an upsurge in numbers.
They have been seeing 200 clients a week. Extraordinary numbers.
The reasons are varied, but the system is paramount. When people go to a doctor, they can be handed a letter and sent to the HSE, to be seen at some date in the future.
SOSAD are there 24/7 and medical professionals know that, pointing people in the direction of Magdalene Street if they need help - NOW.
‘ We get a lot of people walking in. There has been awareness campaigns about mental health and that’s great, but luckily in Drogheda, we have a place to go, SOSAD,’ Peter explains.
‘Some people think we only deal with suicide but we deal with mental health and that includes depression. A recent report said that 1 in 10 suffer from depression in this country. We’d always say don’t suffer on your own, come in and talk to us, that’s why we are here.’
Such is the need for SOSAD’s services, they have an Outreach coming on board in Bailieboro and Monaghan town.
In September, in Drogheda, they will commence group therapy for teens, dealing with depression, stress and deliberate self harm.
They will also invite in families of people who are dealing with depression. ‘ We’ll sit down and have a chat and guide them about the best way to help,’ he states.
On Friday July 21, SOSAD hosts a 5k For Life, a run, walk or jog, starting at Aura at 7pm. It’s their main fundraiser and it backed by State Street, Eurospar and Aura.It’s €12 to enter and details are at eventbrite.
‘It’s vital for us,’ Peter states. ‘ The people of this town saved us last year when we had problems with funds and this is our main fundraiser this year.’