Our Story
Our Journey to the community
The Thomas Hayes Trust CLG was established in February 2014 by Angela Hayes, her children, family and friends. In March 2011, Angela tragically lost her son Thomas to suicide. He was just 19 years old. Thomas took his life on the anniversary of his dad’s death, also from suicide, in 2002. Overwhelmed by her terrible grief but persevering for the sake of her children, Angela turned her tragedy into becoming a community activist when she realised the suffering within the community experienced by others in similar circumstances.
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 had composed called ‘Survivor’ – it was a song for his mam, to show her how proud he was of her, and to illuminate her fighting spirit that had held the family together through the awful pain of their grief.
There was a phenomenal public response to their story and the song. ‘Survivor’ was later recorded at the Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin. But what grew out of the television appearance was an acknowledgement of the dire lack of affordable support services available in Ireland for people affected by suicide or those that may be contemplating suicide.
Our Journey to the community
Spurred on by the public response she persisted. Angela hoped that no family would ever feel the pain that her family had experienced. A seed had been sown and in February 2014, The Thomas Hayes Trust was established to support the people of Kilkenny and surrounding areas that had been affected by suicide. Initially providing resources and information on counselling services available, the organisation quickly became well-known for supporting communities and families in need.
Teac Tom Opens to the Community
In October 2015, the doors were finally opened to Teac Tom (Tom’s House) on Ormonde Road in Kilkenny. Teac Tom is a safe and welcoming space in the heart of the community for people to access affordable and immediate mental health services. The atmosphere in the house is warm and inviting and people can feel assured that they will be listened to and supported.
Commemorating both son Thomas and his father Tommy
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”. Angela continues to share her story with others to encourage people to reach out and seek the help they need. Angela has shared her story throughout Ireland and spoken to audiences in Medjugorje and New York. No matter how big or small you might think a problem is, a problem shared is problem halved.
Growing to meet the needs of the community
As more and more people have heard about Teac Tom, Angela has responded to the demand for services. In 2018, the service was extended to Stradbally, Co. Laois. With the help of a community of supporters and local businesses, a second purpose built centre was officially opened in October 2021, serving the people of Laois and north Kilkenny.
