Colin's story of hope despite losing his son to depression

Lisburn Baptist Church has organised a special event with Colin Cooper to speak about depression., suicide and self-harm.
Colin CooperColin Cooper
Colin Cooper

The event will take place on Sunday 15th May and Colin, from Ballygawley in Co Tyrone will draw upon his personal experience with the issues.

While coping with severe depression, Colin’s son, Matthew lost the battle just over three years ago.

His father will share how he dealt with this tragedy which he describes as “the most difficult time that we as a family have ever experienced.”

Colin volunteers with the Niamh Louise Foundation, a cross-community rural charity set up 10 years ago to support individuals who are struggling with depression, self-harm and suicide.

With over 300 deaths from suicide each year in Northern Ireland, one in six people struggling with depression and an increase in self-harm of all ages, these issues affect many individuals and their families.

Colin’s talk will highlight in a very practical and realistic way that ‘there is help’ and ‘there is hope’.

He will also tell of the difference his Christian faith in Jesus Christ makes as their family continues to live with the loss of their 17-year old son, whom he describes as a fun-loving person and “a wonderful musician.”

This special event, entitled Hope for the Hopeless, is open to all.

A range of helpful books and literature on depression and suicide will be available.

Alight supper will also be provided during the Question and Answer period after Colin Cooper’s talk.

Lisburn Baptist is located on Longstone Street with the car park at the rear accessible from Tonagh Avenue.

The Hope for the Hopeless event commences at 6.30pm on Sunday, 15th May 2016.

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.

They include lasting feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety and there can be physical symptoms too.

Further information is available at www.lisburnbaptist.com or by using the email address [email protected]