A volunteer rescue group in Waterford city says it experienced one of its busiest ever periods over the past fortnight.
Waterford Marine Search and Rescue carries out regular suicide prevention patrols as part of its work.
Earlier this week members helped rescue two people within six hours of each other from the River Suir.
Their Chairman is Daryl Barry:
"It is a tough time for an awful lot of people as well as people going out enjoying themselves.
"We have been very busy over the last two weeks, it's probably been the busiest Christmas period, run into the new year.
"Our patrol teams have been out all over Christmas and we are there to help as best we can.
"But, really the message is that people really need to start talking, people need to tell someone whether it be family, a friend work colleague.
"People need to start speaking to each other so that they can get help."
Daryl says people shouldn't be afraid to approach members who are out on patrol.
"They can always approach any of our patrol teams.
"They can come on over, they can have a cup of tea or cup coffee with us and they can a have a chat.
"If people need help, we can do our best in relation to the agencies that we work with, we can put them in contact with some of the agencies as well.
"The main thing is that we need people to start talking.
"There is help out there in all the areas, it's just about accessing it and knowing where to go to get the professional help."
