Rebranded Limerick suicide prevention patrol ‘look after anyone who needs help’

THE original suicide prevention patrol along the River Shannon in Limerick has relaunched – under a different name.

Due to personal issues, Louraine Corbett Tomlinson, of Corbett Suicide Prevention Patrol and latterly Corbett Suicide Prevention Limerick, ended this patrol.

Prior to this, the group – founded by Louraine’s brother Trevor Corbett – had patrolled the banks of the Shannon since 2011 providing support to people who may be in suicidal distress.

And their spirit lives on with Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, who were formed around 10 weeks ago, and already have 23 members.

But Joe Mellotte, the spokesperson for the group, said they are still looking for a place to call home

“We are working from our cars at the moment. Our biggest problem is getting a base. All we need is a place to hang up our gear three nights of the week. We are here to serve the community and help people in distress, in dark moments,” said Trevor.  

“There are young people who find themselves drinking too much, getting into trouble. We look after anyone who needs help,” he explained.

This came about after CSPPs previous accommodation at the Potato Market was no longer available due to refurbishments.​

“All we need is a small base, just where I can hang up my gear seven nights a week,” he said.

The Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention members come from across the Mid-West, as well as continental Europe, with one member from Turkey.

They are all first-aid trained, and trained in the use of defibrillators.

They patrol the river on Wednesdays and Fridays between 9pm and 1am, and also work alongside Limerick Marine Search and Rescue in the city, and Rescue 911, who are based in Shannon.

Asked why he joined, Matt Collins, Weston, said: “I am at this 12 months, and the last couple of months, it's getting more chronic than ever.  The fact I can help someone,  I have the time. I've had suicide in my family. I felt I didn't want anyone else getting the knock at the door we had.”

Treaty Suicide Prevention are always on the look out for volunteers – and perhaps more importantly at this stage, a base to store their equipment. If you can help, telephone 085-2337888.