Thomp2 Socks releases new design in support of mental health awareness

Thomp2 Socks releases new design in support of mental health awareness

By Mary Dennehy

A FAMILY-run business has designed a pair of socks to co-incide with World Suicide Prevention Day and to raise funds for and awareness of local mental health supports.

In 2019, Tallaght resident Thomas Barry (34), with support from family, launched a new online business called Thomp2 Socks.

Finbar and Thomas 1

 Finbar and Thomas with the new design 

The local entrepreneur, who has Down Syndrome, lives in Ellensborough with dad Finbar and together, with the help of cousin Shane, they run the creative, high quality online sock company.

Thomp2 Socks has a strong focus on giving back, and since starting up has donated five per cent of all profits to St John of God services. 

This week, the company launched a new original-design sock to co-incide with World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 on Thursday, September 10. 

Thomp2 is donating €2 from the sale of every pair of socks, which has the words ‘It’s okay not to be okay’ inscribed, to Pieta House.

According to Thomp2 their mission for these socks is to help break down stigma around mental health issues, and inspire and remind people to support each other, to listen and speak up.

Thomas also features in a new video created to promote the new-design socks, alongwith his cousin Shane.

Dad Finbar provides the narration on the video, which was made by Conor Darcy and music provided by Tallaght musician, Luke Clerkin. 

WATCH:

 

Speaking with The Echo, Finbar said: “It’s not just about making money, we want to give something back [as a business].

“Do our little part to help.”

He added: “We designed the sock for people who may be struggling with their mental health and to bring awareness.

“The sock is not just about raising money, it’s about raising awareness and breaking stigma.”

Speaking about the importance of World Suicide Prevention Day, Finbar said: “When a day is set aside from all of the other days it focuses attention.  

“So many people around the world have lost their lives to suicide.

“We’d like to do out little bit to raise awareness that nobody is struggling on their own, help is there.”

For further details or to buy a pair of socks visit the Thomp2 website HERE

Contact Pieta House on Pieta House website or call 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.

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