Limerick set to pause to remember loved ones on World Suicide Prevention Day

LIMERICK will come to a standstill this Thursday night at 8pm, as people remember those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

A vigil is to be held at Arthur’s Quay Park in the city centre to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

Organised in Limerick since 2018 by therapist Amanda Clifford, people are asked to gather from 7:30pm.

On the floor of the park, the word ‘Hope’ will be spelled out in candles.

Amanda admits in recent years, the numbers attending the vigil have fallen.

"This year, we want to change that. We are calling on all organisations, community groups, clubs, services & individuals across Limerick to come together and show their support for suicide awareness and for this important event,” she said.

"This vigil belongs to the whole community. It is an opportunity for us to stand together, to let people know that they are not alone and to remember those whose lives have been lost. As one, we can do little. Together, we can do so much more.”

Hope is the key mantra of the event for Amanda.

"A lot of people can lose hope. When you lose hope, you lose empathy. If you do not have hope, you have nothing. If someone is empathetic to you, then there is hope. There's a spark,” she said.

All are welcome to attend the event. World Suicide Prevention Day began to be marked in 2003.

It was established by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organisation.