Have you ever seen one of these on a bridge? These are light in the darkness teddy bears. Now country wide, you can find these on almost every bridge. They are for to aid with suicide awareness…
Mick Ryan, aged 72, started this movement six years ago. He printed out the light into darkness posters and mailed them all around the country, starting in Carlow. Justa Signs LTD, a printing press saw the positives of the Mick’s vision. This company printed them for free, seeing the benefits of the project and how it could help people in need.
Why did he start such a great thing?
Twenty one years ago, Mick lost his son John Paul to suicide. His anniversary is on the fifteenth on January. He died aged twenty two tragically, and because of this, it has meant that Mick has saved many lives. Along with putting up posters and teddy bears, he often speaks to people dealing with suicide on the phone.
Why is a Teddy bear beside the sign?
A teddy bear resonates with people who have children at home. This is the most effective way to make people think twice. The flashlight shining on the poster is also symbolic of a light in the darkness; walking on the bridge in the evening at pitch black, it glows like a light in the darkness.
Do people take them down?
Wexford County Council, and every other council in the country, leaves them there because they’re a good thing. There’s no doubt that Mental Health is a 24/7 crisis in this country. Mick still runs this entire teddy bear operation all on his own, despite suffering from a stroke in recent times. He says saving lives is much more fulfilling than making money.
Remember, your family and friends love you. You can reach the good Samaritans by texting HELLO to 50808 or you can call on 116 123. You can also email: jo@samaritans.ie
Rory Corrigan
18-year-old Rory is from Blackwater in Wexford. He runs his own podcast called “Rory’s Post Office.”
Read also:
Remember to submit your news to Wexford Weekly! To advertise on our socials or website, email our team at info@wexfordweekly.com