Hook headlines Tullamore suicide prevention talk
NEWSTALK's George Hook will attend a special event on Thursday, September 30 in Tullamore rugby club to raise awareness of suicide.
Organised by Fine Gael, Cllr Molly Buckley outlined that elected representatives recognise they must play their part.
“We are organising this event to raise awareness of the large number of people, young and old, who have died by suicide. We want to play our part along with the other voluntary and statutory organisations who are doing tremendous work. We need to listen, be aware, and care for our family, neighbours and friends,” commented Cllr Molly Buckley.
Speakers will be George Hook, John McCarthy from Mad Pride and Josephine Rigney from the HSE. There will be information on other organisations in the area available on the night.
Prevention of suicide is in everybody’s interest, not just the responsibility of experts.
Cllr Buckley stressed, “Everyone can do something to help reduce the number of people who try to solve their problems with suicidal behaviours. A number of programmes have been designed with the aim of increasing awareness of the factors around suicide. While it is a very complex area, we should never underestimate the power of listening.”
Ireland has experienced one of the fastest rising suicide rates in the world. As a cause of death among young Irish people, suicide exceeds both deaths due to cancer and road traffic accidents.
Ireland has the fourth highest youth suicide rate in Europe. The suicide figures for 2009 showed a 25% increase on those for 2008.
Research into suicide since the 1890s has demonstrated an increase in suicide rates and mental illness during times of economic recession. Unemployment has a profound effect on a person, especially on the young and those in middle age.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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