For two years now Aisling Centre has held an event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th of September. Members of the public and staff of Aisling Centre make the trek up Cuilcagh Mountain at the crack of Dawn.

People choose to do the trek for many different and personal reasons. Some may come to remember a loved one, others as part of their own recovery, some may enjoy the challenge, while yet others will attend to show solidary and support for people who are struggling with their mental health. For everyone, it is an act of self-care, an opportunity to connect and ground themselves while enjoying the many benefits of being out in nature.

World Suicide Prevention Day, which first started in 2003, is observed across the world on 10 th September annually. It aims to start a conversation about suicide and promote a worldwide message of Hope. This year’s theme is ‘creating hope through action’ and Aisling Centre hope that organising this event will encourage people who may be considering ending their lives to talk to someone and to remind them that there is help available.

Locally along with Aisling Centre (028 66 325811) you can talk to your GP and Samaritans (116 123) and Lifeline (0808 808 8000) helplines are available 24/7.

Cuilcagh Mountain stands 2,182ft (665 metres) above sea level; the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail showcases the scenic wilderness of the mountain and the breathtaking views of the surrounding lowlands. The Boardwalk Trail has made Cuilcagh Mountain so much more accessible however Iain Kennedy, Aisling Centre Fundraisings group advises that it remains a challenging trek and a reasonable level of fitness is needed. The distance of the mountain is approximately 8 miles (round trip). A person with a reasonable level of fitness should be able to complete the trek in approximately 3 hours. Alison Annan, Chairperson, Aisling Centre was delighted with the success of the event, “It was really well supported, and the weather was kind to us”. Feedback has been positive with Trekkers giving their vote of approval to the excellent organisation and care of the event with everything from the warm-up yoga to the cuppa at the end.

“Thank you to all who were involved in organising this excellent event. I thoroughly enjoyed the morning”

“It gave us both a sense of peace and calm in the midst of our grief.”

“Very inspiring seeing a lot of Aisling Centre team walk with us”

“Well done Shauna with the warm-up.”

“The refreshments at the end were a particularly nice touch and totally unexpected”

For any further information on the event please contact Aisling Centre Tel: 028 66 325811 Email: info@theaislingcentre.com