Tree of Hope funding is ‘very low’ as group appeal for donations

FUNDING for Tree of Hope is now “very low”, according to the founder Noeleen Fullam, who is appealing for donations for the community-led initiative.

Tree of Hope began in 2014 when the first tree, which was donated by The Echo, was planted in Dodder Valley Park in Tallaght.

Noeleen, alongside Aishling Stanley, devised the initiative after losing a loved one to suicide, with the hope that the trees may serve as a beacon of hope for those who are struggling.

Explaining how Tree of Hope came about, Noeleen told The Echo: “Having lost a family member and close friends to suicide, I found myself in a dark place.

“To clear my head, I would walk, sometimes for miles, and it was after one of the walks I saw the National Tree Council of Ireland asking people to plant a tree for National Tree Week in March.

“I just thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a tree out in the community and name it the Tree Of Hope, planted as a symbol to support all who have lost loved ones to suicide or living with mental health issues?’

“People who are having a bad day can see one of the trees and feel we do care.

“Not everyone can open up to someone, and the tree might encourage them to.”

The number of Trees of Hope has increased significantly over the years, with more than 400 nationwide – and 72 trees in the Tallaght area alone.

A Tree of Hope is usually denoted by a specially made stake and yellow ribbons, all of which are purchased by donations, which Noeleen said are, at present, running low.

“From donations we received we were able to get special stakes made and special plaques with the meaning of the tree on it,” said Noeleen.

“My team have sadly had to move on, but I am still here keeping the Tree of Hope page on Facebook going.

“From the donations left in our bank account, the stakes, plaques, ribbons etc are still being donated out to people to plant their own tree in their community, and it’s working out great.

“The Trees of Hope look so lovely in our communities, [but] sadly the funding is very low and I really need to keep this forest growing.”

Noeleen is asking anyone who can assist her with donations to contact her via email at noeleenfulham1@yahoo.ie

“It doesn’t have to be a huge amount, just enough to add flowers and the upkeep of existing trees in our community,” she added.

If you require support, contact the Samaritans’ 24-hour freephone helpline 116123, Pieta House’s LoCall helpline 1800 247 247, HOPE on 087 136 3082 or Childline at 1800 66 66 66.