Would you share your story, if it meant giving hope to others? 

Stories of Hope 2013 is a campaign aiming to source people's differing experiences of depression and tough times, and to demonstrate how they have overcome these difficulties. 

These stories will be compiled to produce an ebook, that will raise funding for AWARE, the voluntary organisation to assist those affected by depression.

The concept for Stories of Hope arose when founder Gary Hanrahan heard 2011 Dublin Rose, Siobhéal Nic Eochaidh share her own story with Ryan Tubridy on 2FM.

Gary said: “This all came to me when I was listening to Siobhéal speaking so candidly about her own experience. I decided that I wanted to compile peoples stories of tough times in their lives, weather it was dealing with weight issues, bullying, a family loss or depression and put together a book to demonstrate how these people came through these tough times in their lives and there is light at the end of the tunnel, that suicide and self-harm are not the answer to your problems - there is an alternative.”

At the moment there is a committee behind the project sourcing and editing stories as they are received. “We’ve had a good response in the past week, the support we’ve received is a reassurance that people are interested in the project and that they recognise the importance of creating conversation on this topic” says Gary. “We are interested in any story people feel comfortable sharing, and full anonymity is guaranteed.” 

All proceeds from the ebook will go to AWARE, the voluntary organisation to assist those affected by depression.

Stories of Hope 2013 is an entirely pro bono project, and all production and design costs are being donated by professionals in their field. The project is supported by AWARE and upon publication all proceeds will be donated to the organisation’s efforts.

If you are interested in contributing to Stories of Hope 2013, or for further information on the project see facebook.com/StoriesOfHope2013 or email: storiesofhope2013@gmail.com