Friends of Console    The Friends of Console was launched in Galway on Thursday April 5, 2007 at 8.30 p.m. The Friends of Console is a new fundraising group that will help to raise money for the work of CONSOLE in Galway and the surrounding areas. Console offers counselling services and support for people bereaved through suicide.    According to Margaret Tierney- Smith Human Resources Manager with Console Galway “ Suicide is a very traumatic experience and in today’s world with its stresses and pressures, those carrying deep pain and strong emotions can feel paralyzed by their grief. Taking time to talk to a trained professional counsellor in a compassionate and confidential environment can help people understand what they are going through and their grieving process. A distressed or grieving person may find it hard to look for help but we are here and we understand. If they make even the initial effort they will soon find, as others who’ve attended Console all over the country in Limerick and Dublin that their grief can be eased and they can begin to heal again.” Margaret mentioned “ that due to the increase in the number of suicides in Galway and the surrounding areas Console opened in Bowling Green in September 2005 and since it opened many people have attended the counselling and support services. In order to enhance and develop the service, we are urgently seeking the financial support from the Business People of Galway. CONSOLE is a Registered Charity who depends on the financial support of the local community to sustain and maintain our existing essential services to the community. The ‘Friends of Console’ concept originated when the group of friends who have an affinity with CONSOLE House gave their help and assistance at the Console Christmas Celebration of Light ceremony in Galway. The ‘Friends’ aim is to help with various projects that are been organised and they wish to develop the Friends of Console Nationally. Margaret spoke in relation to the financial support that CONSOLE urgently need “ I am asking for financial help from the Business people of Galway” If you would like to help CONSOLE or come on board as a friend please contact Margaret on 091 782836 or email margaret@console.ie For further information : Console House – 9 A Elm Park Renmore, Galway 091 769942 National Helpline 1800 201 890 www.console.ie Snowdrop SNOWDROP is my name I am 14“ in height and I am looking for a home........wont YOU please take me home Price €15.00 + Post and Packing €5.00 Please contact Margaret on 091 782836 or margaret@console.ie All proceeds to Console. 2008 Console Fashion Show & Exhibition Stands Models strutted the catwalk sporting designs from the county’s most fashionable outlets .The second annual Fashion Show in aid of Console was held in the Salthill hotel with Galway Bay as the backdrop. Katherine Mc Gee of Marians kindly sponsored the best dressed lady competition to the value of €300. The room was full to capacity with over 400 tickets been sold. From the red carpet that greeted you on your arrival at the newly revamped Salthill Hotel - The Wine Reception was held in the Exhibition Stand area where numerous Stands displayed and sold their products. The Fashion show was excellent with Fashion Houses and Shops from Barna, Athenry , Loguhrea and Galway City taking part giving the audience a look at what Designer Labels and treasurers their shop held. This indeed was a fashion show to remember. Friends of Console Fashion Show, Salthill Hotel, Galway As you drove out the promenade the lights ablaze in the sky over Salthill the sun setting over Galway Bay - you knew you were coming to something different. This was a Fashion Show with a difference. From the red carpet that greeted you on your arrival at the Salthill Hotel to the Regina Rogers School of Ballet girls that welcomed you on behalf of CONSOLE. - The Wine Reception was held in the Exhibition Stand area where numerous Stands displayed their products. The Fashion show was excellent with Fashion Houses and Shops from Barna, Athenry to Galway City taking part in giving the audience a look at what Designer Labels and treasurers their shop held. The Celebrity models took to the catwalk with well known Broadcaster, Galway man Sean Ban Breathnach serenading the audience to Yellow Submarine and our own Gareth O Callaghan (Author & Broadcaster ) along with Galway United Barry Moran taking to the catwalk as if they were born to it. A Fashion Show to remember. The room was full to capacity with over 500 tickets been sold - standing room only. The people of Galway and the surrounding areas were here to support Console . Name BUPA Date October 2006 Event Evening of Entertainment Comment The initiatives taken by Console are to be applauded We at BUPA Ireland are extremely proud to be associated and to be considered a friend of Console. We recognise that Consoles importance within the community must go from strength to strength such is the extreme importance of the work they do. Console touches everybody’s lives. Name CIPD Date October 2006 Event Evening of Entertainment Comment The CIPD Western region made an unanimous decision to give the proceeds of the Evening of Entertainment to Console – it is such a worthy cause. It is a wonderful charity and there is fantastic work carried out by their team in Galway and around the country. The event was a fantastic success and we were delighted with the outcome. Thanks to Margaret and the team for their help in organizing the event. Name Patricia Cooney, Mullingar Date December 2006 Event Celebration of Light Service, Dublin Comment It was an extremely humbling experience for me to share in the celebration of light service and I left the Church with a feeling of peace. Name Karl Lloyd – Boston Scientific Galway Date September 2005 and 2006 Event Perpetual Golf Trophy Comment It was a great personal experience to be involved in this very worthy cause. When you listen to people like Paul Kelly presenting some of the statistics, it really is eye opening. The effects of suicide are so tragic and far reaching, it is so important to see organisations fully supported and properly funded.