McEvoy plays leading role in depression campaign

ACTRESS Mary McEvoy, who revealed recently she has suffered with depression, is leading a campaign to get volunteers for an Aware fundraiser.

“Will you volunteer two hours during Daisy Days, from September 11 to 13, and help make a difference in the life of someone suffering with depression,” Ms McEvoy urges listeners on her radio appeal.

Last year, 451 people committed suicide, according to official statistics. An estimated 300,000 people in Ireland suffer from depression but many hide their condition and never get help, says Aware, which has been working to create public awareness to the problem since in 1985.

Hundreds of volunteers are required for this year’s Daisy Days national fundraising effort. Aware will be selling 180,000 packets of daisy bulbs in shops and on the streets for €2.

Aware spokeswoman Lynn Greene said: “These days it’s very hard to get people, because they are busy. People are going on part-time work, flexi-jobs and so on. And students are not back at college until October.”

The organisation is encouraging volunteers drawn from transition year students, members of active retirement groups and part-time workers to give a helping hand.

All funds raised from the sale of daisies go straight towards the maintenance of Aware’s services. These include a 24-hour helpline: 1890 303 302, support groups in over 60 locations nationwide, Beat the Blues secondary schools programme, public lectures and literature.