Mother of Elisha Gault calls for support at mental health services protest

"Let's stand together so no more have to die."

The mother of Elisha Gault has called for the public to get behind a demonstration on youth mental health services next week. Elisha died by suicide last March at the age of 14. Her body was recovered from the River Suir near Carrick-On-Suir after a week-long missing persons search. Her mother Grainne has spoken out about what she says was a lack of support from public services as Elisha struggled with her mental health before her death. She's now set to take part in a march on Leinster House on Wednesday 16 October along with  Mental Health Warriors, a voluntary group calling for more resources for young people with mental health issues. In a Facebook post, Grainne said she was marching "to demand better services, not for Elisha but for you who are suffering and for those parents who are struggling to save your own children." The demonstration needs as much support as possible, she continued.

"For this to be a success, there needs to be a strong public voice demanding change to the services because what's on offer is falling short and our kids are turning to self medicating to cope but too many are dying, young and old. "She's gone, so many went before her and so many since, so for the love of all of our children, let's stand together on October 16th so no more have to die."

You can find out more about the march at the Mental Health Warriors Facebook page.