UCLan

A student in Galway has created an app designed to help anyone having suicidal thoughts or suffering mental health difficulties.

Developed by Patrick Shaughnessy, the Trust Talk app provides round-the-clock access to counsellors from national suicide prevention charity, Console.

“A number of years ago I lost a cousin to suicide and also a number of friends, both male and female, during teenage years and I just felt there was a need for this there and something needed to be done about it,” Patrick told RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland.

The app allows users to exchange messages with accredited counsellors and request a call from them at any time, 365 days a year.

“There are three other charities also involved in the app — The Samaritans, who are also 24/7, and Aware and then Bodywhys. So those three charities will manage the depression and anxiety side,” Patrick added.

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Students at UCLan were among the first to road-test the new app.

“I think, to be honest, it’s needed because you know its not something you can plan in any way — you can feel bad in the middle of the night,” said Students’ Union president elect Phelim Kelly.

“Having some form of human contact can only be a great thing because it could actually mean the difference between life and death.”

Peter and Bridie Roche from Tuam lost their 23-year-old son Colin to suicide four years ago. The couple welcomed the launch of Trust Talk, and said it will “certainly” save lives.

“I do feel if Colin got through another half hour in the night that things would have been different. And again maybe if he had instant access to something at the time it might have made an awful difference to him,” said Bridie.

Trust Talk 24/7 can be downloaded from the App Store. Anyone experiencing difficulties can also phone Console on 1800 201 890 or The Samaritans on 116 123.

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