Experts at the launch of a pilot scheme to reduce the amount of suicides and self-harm in Cork and Kerry today will hear of the urgent need for greater co-ordination of services for those presenting as depressed or suicidal.
According to Dr Ella Arensman, of the National Suicide Research Foundation, there is duplication and fragmentation of services in prevention and research into suicide.
Today's seminar is organised by the Cork and Kerry Alliance for Awareness of Depression and Suicidal Behaviour which aims to implement a pilot programme to deal with the high levels of suicide and self-harm in the area.
The Cork/Kerry area is just one of 16 regions within the EU which has been chosen for part funding for further research into the effectiveness of the pilot scheme, which has already reduced self-harm in Nuremberg, Germany, by 26 per cent.
If successful in the Cork/Kerry area over the next two years the new pilot scheme, involving a community based intervention programme, will result in the implementation of a national programme based on the same principles.
The study in Cork and Kerry will follow the four level approach by implementing measures with GPs, acute patient groups, community facilitators and the public, all of whom have a part to play in the new programme.
GPs will be invited to participate in specialist workshops focusing on working with depressed and suicidal patients, while acute groups will receive increased support through the provision of emergency cards and leaflets providing information on relevant services.
Social workers, priests, gardaí and teachers will be informed about depression and suicidal behaviour and offered educational workshops.
A general awareness campaign using posters, leaflets and adverts will be targeted at the public.