Joe Coney
Empowering sufferers of suicidal ideation and other mental health problems.
Fundraising for Mid-Ulster Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (MACP).
Story
The Town I Love So Well: Coalisland
It is my privilege and pleasure to say I have lived in Coalisland all of my 52 years. Success for such a small village has came in abundance, with national and Global stars such as Tommy Corr, Denis Taylor, and multiple Tyrone footballers to name but a few. These guys have provided not only the town, but the country with endless hours of pride, joy and success. In addition, they are inspirational figures and role models for our kids, and to all our young people alike.
But unfortunately it wasn't always like that! For those of us who can remember, those of us that can recall with pinpoint accuracy, how this little town of ours also experienced trauma, heartbreak and death as a result of the conflict.
No doubt our young people of today, will be learning the history of our town, the good and the not so good. This little place of ours has suffered terribly as a result of the conflict with families having experienced loss at the highest level. Our young folk will most certainly ask questions around how we survived, and day to day living during this era, listening to responses I expect that will be met with 'shock and sadness.' So, how did we survive?
I remember the dark winters evenings, and how they would be met with an almost like 'invisible dread.' The days when decent working class citizens found strength, to come together in vast numbers, to provide as 'normal' a community as possible in the midst of carnage and horror.
The boxing club run by the legend that was, and in many respects still is, Mr Frank Gervin. Frank, a pure gentleman, cared for so many of our young folk, giving us shelter, a purpose, some hope and of course, fun!! My own father, Joe Coney (senior), who provided the perfect platform for kids to learn music, culture and a great sense of family, through St Joseph's Accordion Band, better known as 'the Joe Coney Band.' Or what about the GAA, Coalisland Fianna, Brackiville Owen Roes, or Clonoe O'Rahilies and all the GAA clubs in and around Coalisland. We are of course truly indebted to them all, because without the sterling work they have all carried out, at that time, we would almost have faced oblivion. The after schools clubs and youth clubs provided by our parish, were a tremendous refuge during the darkest and bleakest of winter evenings. Zig zagging our way through the 'Chaple loney,' to play table tennis, indoor soccer, or snooker. So whether it was the GAA, the Parish, the voluntary and charitable organisations, we managed to steer our way through an almost impossible terrain, with a sense of collectiveness, comradery and community, which was a welcomed distraction from the battle scenes which played out on our streets and television screens. But of course, this was all visible most of the time, and we could see the pain and the suffering in the eyes of family, neighbours and friends.
But another war now exists, a war that isn't as visible, a conflict that produces just as much pain and suffering. A carnage that leaves a trail of destruction even to deaths door itself. This is a lonely war, often misunderstood and masqueraded brilliantly to protect the sufferers dignity, their perceptions that they are weak, or to ensure the victim's relatives and friends are not affected by its infectious plight. The troubles I speak of, is between those who suffer poor mental health, and the demons such individuals fight and have to face every single day, hour, and second of their lives. We need to expose it, we need to make it 'okay' to talk about, we need to recognise it as a destructive force, that potentially could end the lives of our loved ones and those close by. We need to become more aware, that speaking up and speaking out, will play a major role in defeating such a thing.
My colleagues and I who work voluntarily on behalf of the Mid-Ulster Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (MACP), sought permission from some of these very brave souls, to tell their story, and to give you some idea of the turmoil their lives are in and how counselling can help.
Coalisland has lost many a good soul to suicide over the years, and in addition, literally thousands suffered from many a mental health difficulty. I personally have never lost a close relative to suicide, but I can dare to imagine the pain their families and friends had to endure, and still do. Heres a few short stories to give you some idea of the pain our clients present.
Pat (not his real name), disclosed how he felt alone and helpless. Pat felt there was no meaning, purpose or hope to his life. As he approached the spot were he decided to end it all, he whispered to himself: 'if one person, just one person asks me am I ok, Il not go through with it.' He said this because he believed in his heart that someone would or does care; but nobody did!! It wasn't of course that no one cares, we are sometimes 'afraid' perhaps, of saying the wrong thing; making it worse, or putting an idea in the sufferers head. The truth? That is NOT the case. If anything, it gives the sufferer 'HOPE.' It allows them to see that people do care. But think about this: three words, three little words, 'ARE YOU OKAY?' This could have stopped Pat in his tracks, from carrying his attempt out on his life, and thousands just like Pat. Pat carried out his attempt but luckily survived!
Laura, (not her real name), spoke of her partners extremely violent nature; he beat her, kicked her, spat on her, and sexually molested her. She was raped repeatedly, and was locked in a room with very little food, water or communication with the outside world. Feeling dirty, Laura believed what her perpetrator had said, 'you deserve it all, your worthless, this Is who you are,' she believed every word. Why would she believe otherwise, concluding she must deserve it, why would such a thing be happening? Why would someone do this to me if it wasn't true? Laura's confidence and self esteem was at rock bottom!! She self harmed repeatedly, and developed an eating disorder.
With your help, we in MACP, can continue our work, to help clients such as Laura and Pat. Together we can make this difference.
So I plead to each and every one of you, to once again come together as a community, to help individuals who use our service, to combat mental pain, to fight for those who need our support. I know Coalisland, the Lough Shores and surrounding areas and towns, have a fantastic sense of community now, just like in the past, and God willing, the future. So please come together once more to help those living within our own community, to fight against the negative impact of mental health.
The Mount Errigal Challenge
On Saturday May the 5th 2018, at 10am, Im leading a team of counsellors and supporters from the Mid-Ulster Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (MACP) to the top of the highest mountain in Co Donegal, Mount Errigal; towering gracefully some 751 metres high. At the very top of Errigal, the views are spectacular,as Errigal dwarfs all other mountains below, and is an amazing symbol of strength. We in MACP, believes their is a symbolic connection to that of clients who attend our service seeking counselling. We believe clients have within them, the strength to tower above their own issues, their very own problems, their experiences to overcome whatever stands in their way. They simply need a little support and guidance.
So to put it simply I am asking that as many of you as possible, support my colleagues and I, to support and empower those who need a little direction in their lives.
So please, if you can, make a financial contribution on my 'JUST GIVING' page, for those who are suffering and perhaps thinking of suicide as we speak. Your support will greatly appreciated. Simply go to my wall on facebook, scroll down to the 'Mount Errigal Challenge,' and click on the photo of Mount Errigal.
And finally, its not too late to sign up and join us next Sunday. Please contact me or any member of our committee, should you wish to join the climb and raise awareness and funds to help our very own community, tackle the demons of poor mental health.
Thank you!!
Joe
PLEASE SHARE
It is my privilege and pleasure to say I have lived in Coalisland all of my 52 years. Success for such a small village has came in abundance, with national and Global stars such as Tommy Corr, Denis Taylor, and multiple Tyrone footballers to name but a few. These guys have provided not only the town, but the country with endless hours of pride, joy and success. In addition, they are inspirational figures and role models for our kids, and to all our young people alike.
But unfortunately it wasn't always like that! For those of us who can remember, those of us that can recall with pinpoint accuracy, how this little town of ours also experienced trauma, heartbreak and death as a result of the conflict.
No doubt our young people of today, will be learning the history of our town, the good and the not so good. This little place of ours has suffered terribly as a result of the conflict with families having experienced loss at the highest level. Our young folk will most certainly ask questions around how we survived, and day to day living during this era, listening to responses I expect that will be met with 'shock and sadness.' So, how did we survive?
I remember the dark winters evenings, and how they would be met with an almost like 'invisible dread.' The days when decent working class citizens found strength, to come together in vast numbers, to provide as 'normal' a community as possible in the midst of carnage and horror.
The boxing club run by the legend that was, and in many respects still is, Mr Frank Gervin. Frank, a pure gentleman, cared for so many of our young folk, giving us shelter, a purpose, some hope and of course, fun!! My own father, Joe Coney (senior), who provided the perfect platform for kids to learn music, culture and a great sense of family, through St Joseph's Accordion Band, better known as 'the Joe Coney Band.' Or what about the GAA, Coalisland Fianna, Brackiville Owen Roes, or Clonoe O'Rahilies and all the GAA clubs in and around Coalisland. We are of course truly indebted to them all, because without the sterling work they have all carried out, at that time, we would almost have faced oblivion. The after schools clubs and youth clubs provided by our parish, were a tremendous refuge during the darkest and bleakest of winter evenings. Zig zagging our way through the 'Chaple loney,' to play table tennis, indoor soccer, or snooker. So whether it was the GAA, the Parish, the voluntary and charitable organisations, we managed to steer our way through an almost impossible terrain, with a sense of collectiveness, comradery and community, which was a welcomed distraction from the battle scenes which played out on our streets and television screens. But of course, this was all visible most of the time, and we could see the pain and the suffering in the eyes of family, neighbours and friends.
But another war now exists, a war that isn't as visible, a conflict that produces just as much pain and suffering. A carnage that leaves a trail of destruction even to deaths door itself. This is a lonely war, often misunderstood and masqueraded brilliantly to protect the sufferers dignity, their perceptions that they are weak, or to ensure the victim's relatives and friends are not affected by its infectious plight. The troubles I speak of, is between those who suffer poor mental health, and the demons such individuals fight and have to face every single day, hour, and second of their lives. We need to expose it, we need to make it 'okay' to talk about, we need to recognise it as a destructive force, that potentially could end the lives of our loved ones and those close by. We need to become more aware, that speaking up and speaking out, will play a major role in defeating such a thing.
My colleagues and I who work voluntarily on behalf of the Mid-Ulster Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (MACP), sought permission from some of these very brave souls, to tell their story, and to give you some idea of the turmoil their lives are in and how counselling can help.
Coalisland has lost many a good soul to suicide over the years, and in addition, literally thousands suffered from many a mental health difficulty. I personally have never lost a close relative to suicide, but I can dare to imagine the pain their families and friends had to endure, and still do. Heres a few short stories to give you some idea of the pain our clients present.
Pat (not his real name), disclosed how he felt alone and helpless. Pat felt there was no meaning, purpose or hope to his life. As he approached the spot were he decided to end it all, he whispered to himself: 'if one person, just one person asks me am I ok, Il not go through with it.' He said this because he believed in his heart that someone would or does care; but nobody did!! It wasn't of course that no one cares, we are sometimes 'afraid' perhaps, of saying the wrong thing; making it worse, or putting an idea in the sufferers head. The truth? That is NOT the case. If anything, it gives the sufferer 'HOPE.' It allows them to see that people do care. But think about this: three words, three little words, 'ARE YOU OKAY?' This could have stopped Pat in his tracks, from carrying his attempt out on his life, and thousands just like Pat. Pat carried out his attempt but luckily survived!
Laura, (not her real name), spoke of her partners extremely violent nature; he beat her, kicked her, spat on her, and sexually molested her. She was raped repeatedly, and was locked in a room with very little food, water or communication with the outside world. Feeling dirty, Laura believed what her perpetrator had said, 'you deserve it all, your worthless, this Is who you are,' she believed every word. Why would she believe otherwise, concluding she must deserve it, why would such a thing be happening? Why would someone do this to me if it wasn't true? Laura's confidence and self esteem was at rock bottom!! She self harmed repeatedly, and developed an eating disorder.
With your help, we in MACP, can continue our work, to help clients such as Laura and Pat. Together we can make this difference.
So I plead to each and every one of you, to once again come together as a community, to help individuals who use our service, to combat mental pain, to fight for those who need our support. I know Coalisland, the Lough Shores and surrounding areas and towns, have a fantastic sense of community now, just like in the past, and God willing, the future. So please come together once more to help those living within our own community, to fight against the negative impact of mental health.
The Mount Errigal Challenge
On Saturday May the 5th 2018, at 10am, Im leading a team of counsellors and supporters from the Mid-Ulster Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (MACP) to the top of the highest mountain in Co Donegal, Mount Errigal; towering gracefully some 751 metres high. At the very top of Errigal, the views are spectacular,as Errigal dwarfs all other mountains below, and is an amazing symbol of strength. We in MACP, believes their is a symbolic connection to that of clients who attend our service seeking counselling. We believe clients have within them, the strength to tower above their own issues, their very own problems, their experiences to overcome whatever stands in their way. They simply need a little support and guidance.
So to put it simply I am asking that as many of you as possible, support my colleagues and I, to support and empower those who need a little direction in their lives.
So please, if you can, make a financial contribution on my 'JUST GIVING' page, for those who are suffering and perhaps thinking of suicide as we speak. Your support will greatly appreciated. Simply go to my wall on facebook, scroll down to the 'Mount Errigal Challenge,' and click on the photo of Mount Errigal.
And finally, its not too late to sign up and join us next Sunday. Please contact me or any member of our committee, should you wish to join the climb and raise awareness and funds to help our very own community, tackle the demons of poor mental health.
Thank you!!
Joe
PLEASE SHARE