A SUICIDE group that patrols the River Shannon has put extra teams in place this week to deal with incidents that might arise from student Rag Week events in the city.
The Corbett Suicide Prevention Patrol been involved in over 80 interventions along the River since its establishment over a year ago. Extra patrols have been put in place this week to coincide with ‘Rag Week’ events throughout the city.
According to the CSPP, a worrying number of alcohol-related incidents occurred during the student event last year.
“We have been in contact with the colleges and students unions and we will have extra patrols out every night this week. It was a very busy time for us last year. Most of the incidents we dealt with were alcohol-related,” said CSPP volunteer Paul Hogan.
The CSPP spokesman also told the Limerick Post that after a relatively quiet Christmas they were concerned that the number of interventions could now increase in the coming months.
“People who are depressed tend to isolate themselves in the winter months. We are aware that this could be the calm before the storm. When there is a stretch in the evenings and there’s more going on outside, it could be a time when people sink lower,” Mr Hogan explained.
The CSPP have also launched a new helpline number for families who might be concerned about a loved one that is missing.
“People can contact us on 085-2120987 if they are worried. They can give us a description of the person and our patrols will keep an eye out for them,” he said.
The CSPP will hold a fundraising night at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on March 29. Tickets cost €10 and are available via the voluntary group’s facebook page.
