Suicide is everyone’s business: health chiefs

Health chiefs in Londonderry said “suicide is everyone’s business and there is a shared responsibility to do all we can to prevent it” at the launch of a calendar of events to promote positive mental health and prevent people taking their own lives.
By Staff Reporter
Published 4th Sep 2014, 12:19 BST
Eilish McCloskey, Health Improvement Officer, Western Trust; Yvonne McWhirter, Head of Primary Care Liaison Service, Western Trust; Marie Dunne, Health Improvement Assistant Manager, Western Trust and Ailish ONeill, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer, Public Health Agency.Eilish McCloskey, Health Improvement Officer, Western Trust; Yvonne McWhirter, Head of Primary Care Liaison Service, Western Trust; Marie Dunne, Health Improvement Assistant Manager, Western Trust and Ailish ONeill, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer, Public Health Agency.
Eilish McCloskey, Health Improvement Officer, Western Trust; Yvonne McWhirter, Head of Primary Care Liaison Service, Western Trust; Marie Dunne, Health Improvement Assistant Manager, Western Trust and Ailish ONeill, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer, Public Health Agency.

Several events have been organised between World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and World Mental Health Day (October 10). 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.

Trevor Millar, Director of Adult Mental Health and Disability Services for the Western Trust said: “It is important to promote positive mental wellbeing for everyone and so activities which focus our attention on positive mental health are essential.”

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Marie Dunne, Assistant Manager at the Trust’s Health Improvement Department, said: “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.”

Brendan Bonner, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement (West), Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “The PHA recognises that suicide is a hugely complex issue and continues to influence and support initiatives that will shape attitudes to, and awareness of, health issues, as well as raising awareness of health in its broadest context.

“Many aspects of life impact on our health and wellbeing, including the environment we live in, poverty, isolation, relationships and employment to mention just a few. “The calendar of events reflects some of the investment the PHA are making in the West in terms of suicide prevention and the promotion of positive emotional wellbeing.”

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.

A copy of the calendar of events is available on the Trust’s Western website: www.westerntrust.hscni.net and Facebook site.

Related topics:Western Trust