Kerryman’s ‘Penrelief’ idea

Ger Collins, founder of penrelief.com

A new ‘get-it-off-your-chest’ website set up in March has got people from Ireland and around the world writing about their mental health challenges, REPORTS ALLEN MEAGHER.

It’s attracted the attention of two major suicide prevention agencies which are in discussions with the founder, while a cancer support group are going to take the idea and adapt it for their own use.

Penrelief.com was set up by Tralee-based Ger Collins who says that putting his thoughts into words was very beneficial in helping him overcome his own mental health problems.

Ger, who is the chairperson of Shanakill Family Resource Centre, has a team of volunteers involved in the project.

“I’m not a counsellor and I refer people onto professionals when I can,” says Ger. “Seven people have gone into counselling since the site was launched, people who wouldn’t have done so otherwise.”

Singer and addiction counselor, Frances Black, recently endorsed the site which had over 5,000 ‘hits’ in its first month.

To contact Ger Collins, email penrelief@gmail.com or ring 087-683-9713.