Women’s refuge gets 140th Tree of Hope

By Mary Dennehy

THE 140th Tree of Hope was planted last Friday at a special ceremony in the grounds of the Saoirse Women’s Refuge in Tallaght – another positive planting which will bring comfort, support and hope to those who have lost a loved one to suicide and to those living with a mental health illness.

The 140th planting at Saoirse, which also marked Mental Health Week, symbolises the roots the Tree of Hope project has firmly secured in the community – with many of the trees planted becoming a focal point in estates.

Noeleen Fulham, one of the founders of Tree of Hope, told The Echo: “This was a very special planting which not only marked the 140th tree, but also Mental Health Week.

“Saoirse is also a very special place in Tallaght and does such good work. This tree will now be there to support all of the families going through the service who have come from stressful situations, providing them with a space to go to.

“It really was an amazing evening and thanks to Saoirse and all of the local politicians who came and offered their support.”

The Tree of Hope has come a long way since planting their very first tree – donated by The Echo newspaper – in Dodder Park more than two years ago, with the movement now branching out to communities outside of Tallaght and Dublin.

“We have our first tree planting in Kerry later this month,” Noeleen said.

“We’ve been amazed by the reaction both locally and nationally and have been really encouraged by the way in which communities are taking ownership of the trees and looking after them.

“It’s just such a simple idea and I think it’s the visual aspect of it that helps community. The trees are like the first step in maybe encouraging somebody to lookfor help or support – and they provide a beautiful spot for people to go and remember a loved one.”

She added: “Our dream now is to get ourselves a little van to get around in and we’d love if a business could support us.

“We’re not looking for anything new, just something that’s roadworthy and that we could print our name on – and the name of the business that supported us in getting the van.

“We’d look after all of the running costs, it’s just getting the van and anybody who can help, we’d love to hear from them.”

Contact Tree of Hope through its Facebook page or call 086 3672209.