About GELS

Galway East Life Support was formed in 2013 in response to the high level of Suicide throughout the country and, in particular, the East Galway area. ‘Education, Prevention, Awareness & Support’ are the 4 pillars of this volunteer led group who provide a dedicated phone line for those seeking more information regarding the services available for those in a crisis.

Giving people the confidence to assist a distressed person and the knowledge of how to help them is our constant objective.

Training & Education

GELS also offers training courses and Community talks, attends functions and festivals promoting awareness and has assisted in the set of similar groups in other parts of the country. GELS has a close working relationship with many support services including Pieta House and the HSE and is part of the HSE Suicide Prevention Plan 2018-21 and the HSE/Pieta House Suicide Liaison Bereavement pack.

Recognition

In 2014 GELS were the proud winners of the award for Social & Community Support at the final Ballinasloe Mayor’s Awards. The current Chairperson, Arthur Carr was honoured with the Social & Community Support award at the 2015 Ballinasloe Credit Union People of the Year awards.

In 2016 Arthur won Volunteer of the Year for Galway at the Cathaoirleach’s Community Awards and in 2017, current GELS Secretary, Deborah Carr, was nominated in the Social, Community & Civic Pride category in the Ballinasloe Credit Union People of the Year Awards.

Over the past 6 years GELS have answered over 450 calls, mainly out of hours, from people unsure, scared, looking for advice and sometimes just wanting to talk through their worries about a loved one.

GELS have made a commitment to being available when needed.

GELS Centre

With an office in the centre of Ballinasloe open 3 days a week, all are welcome to call in for advice or information, the GELS Centre also facilitates the Ballinasloe Men’s Shed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Gambler’s Anonymous on Tuesday at 8.30pm, as well as a weekly Ladies Art Group.