Government to give extra €1m for suicide prevention

THE GOVERNMENT yesterday announced that an extra €1 million would be provided to community groups involved in suicide prevention work following a major increase in the number of people dying by suicide.

Figures published earlier this year revealed a 24 per cent increase in the number of people dying by suicide last year, up from 424 in 2008 to 527 in 2009.

Minister for State with responsibility for mental health John Moloney said the increase was deeply disappointing and that everyone involved in mental health needed to redouble their efforts.

“This extra money is in addition to around €4.5 million being spent this year on other suicide prevention programmes. It will go to groups working on the ground in communities, helping to ensure people in distress don’t feel isolated and alone,” Mr Moloney said.

The Minister is due to launch the first of more than 20 town hall-style meetings aimed at tackling the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The first meeting is due to take place in Ennis, Co Clare, later this month.

This “sea change” initiative aims to highlight the fact that up to one in four people suffer from a mental health problem at some stage during their life and to tackle the myth of perfect normality.

National and local organisations across the State will carry the anti-stigma message through local broadcasts, local print media and a range of other activities.

“Stigma has no place in Irish society,” Mr Moloney said. “It damages people’s lives and can be deeply hurtful and isolating, and is one of the most significant problems encountered by people with mental health problems.”

The National Office for Suicide Prevention annual report for 2009, published yesterday, shows that large numbers of community and voluntary groups around the State are bringing forward ideas and initiatives to tackle this very serious problem.

The office – funded by the HSE – is helping to organise the training of staff in areas such as the Garda and Defence Forces in suicide intervention training.

It is also co-ordinating efforts to improve access to places where people can access support and information, such as youth cafes and drop-in centres. In addition, funding is going towards suicide bereavement support information, outreach and counselling to support families and communities.