Mayo Addiction and Suicide Awareness fundraising for new home

MAYO Addiction and Suicide Awareness (MAASA) has launched a fundraising appeal to purchase a permanent new home.

MAASA – based in Castlebar – was established so people suffering from depression, addiction or suicidal thoughts would have a safe place to come and talk about their problems.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Castlebar native Loretta Kenny to raise the €100,000 needed to buy and renovate a new premises, which has been identified.

The need to relocate has arisen as a long-term lease is not available on their existing premises.

The Go Fund Me page highlights the urgency of getting a new base: 'Suicide is an alarming rate in the west of Ireland in particular and there are not enough resources available. People need to know that they have a safe place to go to get help when they need it.'

Workshops and group sessions are also critically needed to help educate family and friends of those suffering about the best way they can help somebody in need.

The new property identified would be able to facilite their needs to offer group sessions.

MAASA does not receive public funding and is reliant on proceeds from their charity shop, donations and fundraisers.

The goal is to raise €100,000 to purchase and removate the new property and every contribution helps.

MAASA was founded by Joe McGuire in 2012 to raise money for mental health issues. Starting off as a charity shop, Joe later rented a larger premises in Castlebar to facilitate a private space for people in need and to put them in contact with somebody who could help.

The link to donate is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/premises-for-mayo-addiction-and-suicide-awareness.