Pieta and Lyons Tea Call on Ireland to put the Kettle on and Raise Vital Funds This World Mental Health Day

Pieta and Lyons Tea have once again partnered to encourage people across Ireland to host a Pieta Tea & Talk Morning on World Mental Health Day, Saturday 10th October, and raise vital funds for Pieta’s free suicide and self-harm prevention services.

Running for a second year, Tea & Talk invites families, friends, neighbours, workplaces, schools, clubs and community groups to come together over a cup of tea. Every Tea & Talk event helps Pieta continue providing free support to people experiencing suicidal thoughts, engaging in self-harm and those bereaved by suicide.

Supporting this year’s campaign is Laura Hallinan, who is sharing her personal experience of grief, support and giving back.

Following the death of her brother Conor by suicide in 2016, Laura sought support through Pieta’s suicide bereavement services. Laura went on to host a Pieta Tea & Talk Morning last year, bringing her community together to raise funds for Pieta and hearing from others about the difference Pieta had made in their lives.

Sharing her story as part of the Tea & Talk campaign, Laura Hallinan said:

“When my brother Conor died by suicide, I knew this was a different kind of grief, and I sought out Pieta. To be able to connect with a service that could really help me work through how I was feeling gave me everything I needed at that time.

“So when Tea & Talk launched last year, I thought, ‘This would be a really great thing to do. Can we raise some funds for Pieta?’”

Stephanie Manahan, Pieta Chief Executive Officer, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Laura for sharing her experience so openly. Her story is a powerful reminder of why it matters that support is there when someone needs it, and why fundraisers like Tea & Talk are so important.

“Every Tea & Talk Morning hosted and every euro raised helps fund Pieta’s free suicide and self-harm prevention services. This World Mental Health Day, we’re asking people across Ireland to bring their friends, families, colleagues or communities together, host a Tea & Talk and help us be there for people who need support. We can help stop suicide and self-harm, together.”

Speaking about Lyons Tea’s ongoing partnership with Pieta through Tea & Talk, Fiona Collins, Lyons Tea, said:

“At Lyons Tea, bringing people together has always been at the heart of what we do. We are proud to continue our partnership with Pieta through Tea & Talk, helping to encourage meaningful conversations while supporting the crucial work Pieta carries out in communities across Ireland.

“By bringing specially marked Tea & Talk packs to stores nationwide, we hope to help place the importance of conversation and connection front of mind for people across the country. With 20c from every pack sold donated directly to Pieta, people can also help support its free services.”

Pieta provides free services for people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, engaging in self-harm or who have been bereaved by suicide. Pieta also offers support and guidance for family members, friends, colleagues and anyone concerned about someone who may be at risk.

Register now to host a Pieta Tea & Talk Morning at teaandtalk.ie