‘What I wouldn’t give to say good night to Kel’: Mother of Kildare man who died by suicide releases appeal for petition signatures

A County Kildare mother whose late son died by suicide has once again called on members of the public to sign a petition she created to honour her son's memory. 

Noeleen Eustace, whose son Kelvin Brennan died by suicide back in May of last year, first launched the online petition back in October of last year.

She also called on the government to prioritise carers who work to assist those with disabilities and / or mental health issues within Ireland.

BACKGROUND

Named after her son, 'Kelvin's amendment' aims to put pressure on the government to recognise Dual Diagnosis in the official Mental Health Act 2001.

She explained in the description of the petition that Dual Diagnosis refers to when a person has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time.

In addition, Ms Eustace said at the time that, in the case of her late son Kelvin, he had been engaging with health services from the age of five.

However, he was not formally diagnosed until he was 13 years of age, when he advised his mother that he was feeling suicidal.

PUBLIC APPEAL

Now, Ms Eustace has appealed for more signatures to 'Kelvin's amendment'.

Taking to social media, she opened her renewed call with the following statement: "I went into Kel's room, as I go every night, to say 'good night' to Kel and Adam, who both died by suicide. They were friends.

"And [also] to their friend Jordan, who died tragically the day after Kel was buried.

"I bless each of their photographs."

Following this, Ms Eustace spoke about the petition itself, and said that progress has been slow when it comes to garnering signatures for it.

She appealed: "Can you please sign, like and share my petition [on social media]".

Ms Esutace concluded: "What I wouldn’t give to say good night to Kel as his head lays on his bed."

'Kelvin's amendment' can be accessed on the official Uplift website (also known as myuplift.ie).

As of the time of publication, the petition has over 5,110 signatures.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116123 or jo@samaritans.org) or you can visit pieta.ie (24/7 Free Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).

In addition, you can also visit https://www.aware.ie/.