A kind-hearted social worker has planted teddy bears across his home town to help people fight depression.
Following a spate of local suicides, Mark Condon tried to assist others by distributing the toys which include contact details for Pieta House and a positive message.
The 39-year-old has struggled with his mental health since his teenage years and was hit by the death of a colleague this year.
He also launched Facebook page #It’sOkayNotToBeOkay where people can share issues.
Mark, from Portlaoise, said: “I lost a work colleague through suicide which pushed me to make a video of my own battles of depression.
“Myself and a friend are pushing more about mental health, we are putting teddy bears around the town with a note on it saying your family loves you and if you need to talk to someone, Pieta House and a number is there. There is also a light on the teddy.”
The toys will soon be placed at some schools in the town.
Mark has an 11-year-old son who is proud of his dad’s hard work. He said: “I’ve always told Greg it’s OK to cry and be open about his feelings. He’s always talking about me in school to his teachers and friends.
“The other day he told me he was proud of me. He means the world to me.”
With the help of his partner Bernadette, Mark added he wants to try and get the teddies in every Irish town and village.
- If you would like to talk to someone, call Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or text HELP
to 51444.
