Suicide charity joins Trackars in partnership

Suicide charity joins Trackars in partnership

28 February 2018

TWO local organisations have joined forces to launch a charity partnership for 2018.

The Downpatrick-based suicide prevention charity, Suicide Down to Zero, has been selected as Charity of the Year for Trackars Healthcare.

The health and homecare company is pledging to raise thousands of pounds for the organisation through a range of activities and events planned for the remainder of the year.

The partnership was officially launched at an SME Business Breakfast event hosted by Trackars Healthcare yesterday morning. The joint event focused on the importance of communication — both in real life and in the work place — with attendees benefiting from the expertise of esteemed business and career coach Claire Bain who delivered a talk on ‘vital communication in the workplace’. 

Continuing with the theme of communication, the event also offered a platform for Suicide Down to Zero to communicate its message to local businesses.

The charity’s secretary, Pat McGreevy, delivered a talk entitled ‘The art of conversation — it’s role in suicide prevention’.

Speaking on the decision to partner with Suicide Down to Zero, Managing Director of Trackars Healthcare, Patricia Casement said: “Trackars Healthcare is thrilled to be supporting Suicide Down to Zero, which has been selected as our Charity of the Year.

“As a company, we feel that it’s important to support charities and initiatives in the communities in which we operate.

“Suicide Down to Zero is a proactive charity with an important message concerning a subject that is relevant to all members of the community.

“Its mission is to help people learn how they can make a difference in saving lives from suicide, through suicide awareness training and making this educational information readily available to the public.

“Trackars Healthcare is proud to be able to help Suicide Down to Zero to achieve this mission.”

Suicide Down to Zero was formed in 2014 by David Smith and Pat McGreevy to campaign for a zero target for suicides, at first across Down District. Later the campaign was extended to include all of Northern Ireland.

Pat McGreevy said: “We at Suicide Down to Zero are delighted to have the support of Trackars Healthcare.

“As the company’s appointed charity for 2018, the funds that Trackars and its employees intend to raise will greatly benefit the work of our charity and the additional support and assistance that the organisation has offered us in terms of promoting our cause and assisting with events and administration will also prove invaluable.

“It’s great for our charity to have the opportunity to work with a locally based organisation and we’re looking forward to a successful partnership with Trackars.”

If you, or your organisation, would like to learn more about Suicide Down to Zero, you can email suicidedowntozero0000@gmail.com or call Pat McGreevy on 07809 441950.