The Thomas Hayes Trust CLG is an initiative started by the Hayes family to support individuals and their families affected by suicide, or contemplating suicide.

Background & Description

The Thomas Hayes Trust (THT) was established in February 2014 by Angela Hayes, her children, family and friends following the tragic loss of her son, Thomas to suicide (2011) on the anniversary of his dad’s suicide. At that time she was unaware of the suffering within the community experienced by others in similar circumstances. This awareness was illuminated when Angela and her son Alan were invited to speak on The Late Late Show, in January 2014, to tell their story of how suicide had affected their family. On that night Alan performed a song he composed for his mam called “Survivor”, a song he wrote to show her that he was proud of how she had reached out for help through counselling, to help herself and her family navigate the awful pain of grief through suicide. The public response to their story and the song was phenomenal, with people suggesting that Alan’s song be recorded and the proceeds be donated to a charity. At that time it was not the intention to do anything except tell their story. However, with the overwhelming response from the public and the launching of the song, an opportunity presented itself to set up the Trust to “support the people of Kilkenny and surrounding areas that have been affected by suicide, and to those who contemplate or contemplated ending their life”.

Angela says “By helping others, The Thomas Hayes Trust will commemorate the life of Thomas – a son, brother and friend, and to remember his father Tommy”.

The Board of Directors oversee all activities in the carrying out of their mission statement in line with their core values and in adherence with statutory regulation.

About the Trust

The Trust will provide services through the following:

Continue to fundraise and where possible ensure those events are family orientated and promote social skills.
Advocate for those affected by or contemplating suicide.
Support and liaise with other community groups.
Act as a pathway to and from other appropriate agencies.

Core Values

Respect – recognised by accepting each person is equal and unique.
Accountability – recognised through transparency of all the Trust’s actions.
Quality – recognised by services being provided by appropriate persons, in a safe and nurturing environment.