About 2 years ago I had a wild, yet creative idea to create a simple yet important message that would convey that it is "Ok to be vulnerable with what is really going on in our lives" so together we created the Elephant in the room movement. I have lost too many friends to suicide, or have seen others lives sadly blighted by depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions that rob our happiness or well being. I wanted men in particular, to know that it is in fact "Not to weak to speak" and that no matter where any of us find ourselves in life, that there is always someone who cares, you just have to take that leap of faith, find them and start by sharing. Thank you so much for all your support and kindness in 2024, with your generous help we have now moved over 80 elephants into organisations throughout Ireland and abroad. More importantly it has allowed us to run out our social justice program and get our elephant herd in schools, children's hospitals, universities and disadvantaged communities/countries etc where they are seen as a symbol of "hope and permission to talk" We created a podcast series along the way, raised awareness and had a fund raising sell-out Gala ball for the Samaritans, not bad for year one, but really just a start. As we know Christmas time can be a very lonely time for many, and many can feel those feelings of being alone reinforced as others celebrate with family and friends. BUT Know that we all have the capacity to save or change lives everyday, and that a smile, hug, kind word or a handshake can be enough sometimes. So this Christmas please call into that lonely or elderly neighbour, reconnect with a family member or friend, be kind and forgiving to yourself and others and please tell people you care about that you love them, you may not get another chance. So Merry Christmas all and thank you so much..
