Tree of Hope reminds all of community support
A TREE of Hope planting ceremony took place in Tymonville on World Suicide Prevention Day to support local residents who have lost family members to suicide or illness.
The Tree of Hope is a community-led project that started in Tallaght eight years ago, with the tree in Tymonville being the 73rd tree planted in the Tallaght area. There are approximately 390 trees planted in total.
The tree was planted on Friday, September 10 as a symbol of support to all those affected by suicide or living with a mental health problem or illness and aims to be a symbol of hope for those in the community and a reminder that they are not alone.
Councillor for Tallaght Central, Mick Duff, who was in attendance on Friday, said the ceremony was an occasion for the community to show support for each other.
“It gives people the opportunity to show support and consolation to those families within our community who have been bereaved by suicide,” he said.
“When a tree is planted, the ribbons on it are yellow and we look at the colour yellow as being a welcoming sign. It is to let people know that there is a welcome in the community and the community is open for listening and people in it are available to talk.”
“When people see the Tree of Hope and the yellow ribbons on it, they can be assured that they are in a friendly area and that they know they can reach out to someone and that is the message that comes across.
The first Tree of Hope, which was donated by The Echo, was planted in Dodder Valley Park in March 2014.
Noeleen Fulham, one of the organisers and founders of Tree of Hope alongside Ashling Stanley told The Echo: “The tree is planted as a symbol of support for those who have lost people through suicide and is a way to remember them.
“It was just beautiful and lovely to have so many people at the ceremony and we intend to continue if our funding allows us to. It is the 73rd tree in Tallaght and they are all over Ireland now, as well as two in Australia, France and England – all from that one tree in Dodder Park,” said Noeleen.
Cllr Duff added: “I was glad to be invited to the ceremony and to be there on Friday. I had negotiated the site with South Dublin County Council who were very amenable with giving the site for the tree – it was wonderful.
“We had two fantastic local singers and our local parish priest gave a eulogy and there were some lovely readings. I tip my hat to Noeleen and Ashling, who are the main organisers of The Tree of Hope.”
Further information about where Trees of Hope are planted, and how you can get a Tree of Hope planted in your community is available at www.facebook .com/TreesofHope.
