"Who’s Listening?" is a documentary series that shares the stories of the people whose jobs are to listen to our problems.
In this five part series for iRadio, Fionnuala Corbett speaks to a range of people who spend their days listening to our worries, to find out how they deal with the pressures of their work.
In episode 1 we hear from workers from Pieta House Midlands about how they protect their own mental health while providing support to people with mental health difficulties.
Episode 2 focuses on Rita Lawless, a school guidance counsellor at Marist College secondary school, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. She talks us through how she handles the pressure of her role which involves supporting and guiding students through their school years.
In episode 3 we hear from Dr. Michele, a GP from Monksland Medical Centre in Athlone, Co. Westmeath. She goes through the difficulties of her day-to-day duties, ethical dilemmas and preserving her own health.
Episode 4 puts the spotlight on Fr. Séamus McEntee, a man who came to the priesthood later in life. He says the main challenges of his role are hearing difficult confessions, juggling different duties and dealing with loneliness.
The series comes to a close with episode 5, focusing on Shirley Hanley, a guidance counsellor and psychotherapist. She says her job is to support people in dealing with their pain, which can be really tough, but she feels blessed to be able to do this work.
BAI support
"Who’s Listening?" is funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.
(Source: Broadcasting Authority of Ireland)
