Angela Hayes of Teac Tom Wins Irish Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year 2025
Kilkenny, May 9, 2025 — The Thomas Hayes Trust / Teac Tom is proud to announce that its founder, Angela Hayes, has been named the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year 2025.
This prestigious national award recognises Angela’s outstanding contribution to suicide prevention and mental health support across Ireland. Since founding Teac Tom in 2014—following the tragic loss of her son Thomas and her husband to suicide—Angela has worked relentlessly to ensure no one faces mental health struggles alone. Her vision has led to the creation of walk-in counselling services, community outreach, and a 24-hour support line serving Kilkenny, Laois, and the wider southeast region.
“Winning the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards is a deeply humbling and proud moment for me,” Angela said.
“It represents a recognition not just of my work, but of the resilience, compassion, and commitment that drive everything I do to support those affected by suicide and mental health challenges. To be acknowledged by an organisation rooted in humanity and hope affirms that even the smallest acts of care can create ripples of change—and I’m honoured to stand among others who are striving to make a difference.”
Angela continued:
“This award honours not only my journey, but also the memory of those in my family who didn’t get the help they needed — I carry their voices with me in every step I take. I dedicate this award to my incredible parents, who raised me with compassion, courage, and a deep sense of humanity. Everything I am is because of them, and to my sons and daughter, who have supported and encouraged me throughout this journey. It’s not always easy for them — they’ve seen the worry, the weight of keeping Teac Tom’s doors open — but their love keeps me going.”
In addition to her frontline work, Angela tirelessly fundraises to ensure no one is ever turned away from Teac Tom’s doors and no one has to wait when they are most vulnerable. With no government funding, the service relies entirely on public donations, local fundraising, and community goodwill to remain open and accessible. Angela’s unwavering commitment ensures that support is available immediately—without referral, red tape, or cost barriers.
Teac Tom has also led a number of successful corporate collaborations and community-driven projects under Angela’s direction. These include national awareness campaigns within the construction industry, school and workplace mental health workshops, and bespoke wellbeing events that bring support directly into communities and industries in need.
One of the most impactful initiatives this year is The Longest Day, Teac Tom’s national fundraising and awareness campaign taking place on June 21st. The campaign highlights the emotional reality that for those struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, every day can feel like the longest day. Individuals, families, schools, and workplaces are invited to get involved and show support for suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.
As part of this honour, Angela now becomes a member of the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Alumni, joining a distinguished group of Irish changemakers who have dedicated their lives to serving humanity through compassion, courage, and community impact.
For media enquiries, interview requests, or to support Teac Tom, please contact:
Fiona ONeill
Business Support
The Thomas Hayes Trust / Teac Tom
Email: fiona.teactom@gmail.com
Phone: 087 131 8776
Website: www.thethomashayestrust.com
To find out more or get involved in The Longest Day campaign, visit:
👉 https://www.thethomashayestrust.com/the-longest-day
