Haven Hub Reopening at Jimmy C Makeup Academy – Pictured are Leona O’Callaghan, Founder and Chairperson of Haven Hub, Jimmy Collins of Jimmy C Makeup, Katie Sheehan, Haven Hub Representative of Families affected by Suicide, Lorna Ryan,  Haven Hub Welfare Officer (back row), Claire Kelly, Haven Hub Secretary and John Nugent, Haven Hub, Vice-Chair and Safety Officer. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick.

The Haven Hub Reopening in a New Location

The Haven Hub are thrilled to be able to reopen their doors on Friday, August 14. Due to the Covid-19, their former location on Henry Street remains closed since March with volunteers from The Haven Hub instead providing telephone support seven nights a week during the pandemic. The new premises at 9, Steamboat Quay was generously offered to the Haven Hub by Jimmy Collins of Jimmy C Make-Up Academy and Jimmy’s incredible offer of the use of his premises means The Haven Hub can return to providing face to face peer support to those who are struggling and vulnerable.

The Haven Hub recently called for an independent inquiry into the treatment of people at risk of suicide in the Mid-west Area in the hope of working together with the HSE on making improvements needed with the motion for this inquiry unanimously passed by the council when raised by Cllr Sharon Benson.

The CSO statistics in 2019 show that yet again the highest overall suicide rate was registered in Limerick. This is more than seven times higher than the suicide rate listed for Dublin. The suicide rate for males in Limerick was again the highest in the country, seventeen times higher than the lowest rate in south Dublin. The 2018 NSRF figures showed that Limerick had nearly twice the national average of people who attempted suicide or Self-harmed. Limerick University hospital had the highest rate of discharge also from those that have presented to UHL having self-harmed, feeling suicidal or having attempted suicide. With these statistics it cannot be denied that there is a specifically worrying problem with suicide in the Midwest Area.

The Haven Hub will continue offering peer support on Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm until 2am at 9 Steamboat Quay while adhering to government guidelines and observing social distancing. For more information please contact Leona O’ Callaghan 083 3668582.

In other news a number of friends and colleagues of the late Lesley Anne Liddane, who passed away unexpectedly in April, will be taking part in a Haven Hub skydive fundraiser on Sunday, September 27, in memory of Lesley Anne, and in aid of The Haven Hub. Prior to her tragic passing, Lesley Anne had been planning a skydive to raise funds for The Haven Hub, and now, a number of her colleagues and acquaintances have vowed to carry out Lesley Anne’s wishes and take part in a skydive in her memory.

To donate to The Haven Hub skydive, click HERE or HERE 

For more stories on The Haven Hub, click HERE

For more Richard Knows News, click HERE.

A skydive fundraiser is taking place on Sunday, September 27, in memory of the late Lesley Anne Liddane, and in aid of the Haven Hub. Pictured are Leona O’Callaghan, Founder and Chairperson of Haven Hub (back row centre) with friends and colleagues of Lesley Anne who are taking part in the skydive. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick.