The founder of Pieta House has spoken of the vital contribution of Dublin footballer Paul Flynn to the organisation.

Pieta House is dedicated to the prevention of suicide and self-harm and Flynn, who launched their Mind Our Men programme, is their most high-profile ambassador:

"I don't think people realise how enormous it is for us to have Paul Flynn as an ambassador," founder and CEO Joan Freeman says in The Irish Independent. "His own profile is huge but his tentacles reach right across the world. We are taking our 'Darkness into Light' (5km walk/run fundraiser) to three cities in America next May and Paul will help us so much because the GAA is so big in those cities.

"His profile is so important for us but Paul is an extraordinary person because he is representative of the young men who need help the most. And he's not afraid to highlight that problem and encourage other men, especially players, to seek help. That takes enormous courage because a lot of people still don't want to be associated with Pieta House because of what it means."

During a recent visit to the Centre in Lucan, Flynn took time to chat with some of the visitors in the waiting room.

"I can guarantee you, other people would not have done that," says Freeman. "It just shows you the type of person he is. He may not be a counsellor but Paul is our ears and eyes. You can be sure that he has referred people on to us."

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