"I Really Am Enjoying Life Now": Kilcock Woman Shares Experience Of Suicide As Support Programme Launches For 2026

Wednesday, 27 May 2026 16:23

By Daniel Maher

Photo: CEO of Suicide or Survive Catherine Brogan and Vanessa Burke

The charity was launched 23 years ago, with the Eden Programme in existence since 2007.

A Kilcock woman has shared her experience of suicide as a support programme launches for 2026.

The Suicide or Survive charity was established in 2003, with the Eden Programme in existence since 2007.

Speaking on Kildare Today was Kilcock woman Vanessa Burke, who shared her own lived experience with suicide.

Following an attempt on her own life, she entered psychiatric care for eight months.

She was then recommended the Eden Programme by a friend.

"There was a friend that I had met later that year for coffee, she noticed me that I was very low in myself and she said 'have you ever heard of Suicide and Survive, they're running the Eden Programme in Kildare?"

Above: Vanessa Burke and Catherine Redmond pictured with Kildare Today host Hannah Kelly

After she gained a place in the programme, she felt safe in the open atmosphere.

"From the get-go it was so much different, we were all there for the same reason, it was a really safe environment."

Following the programme, Ms Burke said that she "really is enjoying life now".

Also speaking on Kildare Today was National Programmes Manager of the charity, Catherine Redmond, who said that a space was created for people to be able to talk about suicide and the struggles their having.

The programme has four different start dates for 2026, with February already commenced, as well as future dates online in August, and in person in the Midlands and Dublin in September 2026.

The full interview can be heard below:

HELPLINES:

Pieta House - 1800 247 247 or text 'HELP' to 51444

Samaritans - 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

Aware - 1800 80 48 48

Teen-Line Ireland - 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)

Childline - 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)