Hope Rising book of poetry launched to support service

A FORMER volunteer with Tallaght-based group HOPE (Hold On Pain Eases) launched a book of poetry in aid of the suicide prevention service last week.

Anne Davison launched her book of poetry called ‘Hope Rising’ in the Ruah Centre in Ballyroan on Wednesday, February 8.

Ms Davison previously volunteered in HOPE for several years and is a talented poet, whose work has adorned the walls in HOPE in arresting collages.

After many years of her friends and colleagues urging her to put pen to paper and release a book of poetry, Ms Davison finally took the leap – with all proceeds from the book sales going to HOPE.

HOPE founder Mary McLoughlin told The Echo: “Anne was a volunteer with us for a number of years, and she did a concert for us in St Maelruain’s Hall a number of years ago, where she sang some songs and recited her poetry.

“She also did some collages of her poems, framed them, and then put them up in HOPE.

“Anne’s such a great poet. Everyone has been telling her, for years, to go and get her poems published, so she did.”

The book launch was a well-attended and uplifting affair, marking a high point for both Ms Davison and the volunteers from HOPE.

“The book launch was well attended,” added Ms McLoughlin. “It was a great night, and I was so delighted for Anne to be able to share her talent with so many people.”

When asked what it means to the team in HOPE that all of the proceeds from ‘Hope Rising’ will go to the service, Ms McLoughlin said it will make a big difference.

“It means a huge amount to us, because we don’t get any Government funding, so we rely on fundraising,” she explained.

“And it’s getting HOPE out there so more people can know who we are and what we do.”

HOPE operates a drop-in service at their premises in Courthouse Square in Tallaght every Monday evening from 6.30 to 8pm, and appointment only services on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The group aims to help people who are struggling with their mental health to find hope, which aligns with the overarching theme in ‘Hope Rising’.

“We just want to talk to people, and let people know that if they’re worried about someone’s mental health, they should talk to them,” added Ms McLoughlin.

“They shouldn’t be afraid of asking them how they’re feeling or if they’re suicidal – asking them that won’t plant the idea in their head – and they might or might not tell you. But if you can get people to talk, that’s how they heal, and healing is a big part of the poems.

“The poems are so uplifting, and they’re for anybody who’s feeling down or having a bad day.

“All they have to do is just pick up the book, read any of the poems, and they’ll instantly feel better.”

Copies of ‘Hope Rising’ by Anne Davison are available for €10 each in HOPE, or by contacting Mary McLoughlin on 087 136 3082.

HOPE can be contacted via phone on 089 610 5476, or by messaging the HOPE Suicide Prevention Centre Tallaght Facebook page.