‘Great concern’over suicide

Brendan Bonner, Chair of the Western Suicide Strategy Implementation Group and head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement (West) at the Public Health Agency (PHA) said: “The PHA recognises that suicide is a hugely complex issue and we are greatly concerned that a growing number of people are responding to life’s difficulties by self-harming and taking their life by suicide.

“As a result we are playing an active role in supporting a range of initiatives that will assist those in need and help to sustain life. The calendar of events reflects some of the investment we are making in the West to prevent suicide and promote mental health.”

He made the comments as the Western Trust launched a new calender of local events to promote mental health and prevent suicide.

In May the Sentinel revealed how emergency paramedics were rushed to 1,018 cases of people trying to kill themselves, overdosing on drink or drugs or engaging in such abnormal psychiatric behaviour that 999 had to be called in Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013 last year.

Now several events have been organised which will bring together a range of people from the community, voluntary and statutory sectors who are committed to the promotion of positive mental health and the prevention of suicide in our community.

The events have been organised to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day last Monday and World Mental Health Day (October 10, 2012).

Debbie Hunter, Health Improvement Officer for the Western Trust commented: “The Western Trust recognises the importance of promoting positive mental health messages and providing support services for those in crisis.

“It is vital that those living within the Western Trust area are aware of relevant mental health and suicide prevention training, initiatives and programmes which they can access locally. Suicide is everyone’s business and there is a shared responsibility to do all we can to prevent it.”

If you are in distress or despair counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Lifeline (0808 808 8000) to listen to you and give you the help and support you need, in confidence.

Copies of the calendar of events are available on our Western Trust’s website on: www.westerntrust.hscni.net and Facebook site.