HSE suicide prevention plan launch

A REGIONAL consultation for the ‘Connecting for Life’ HSE national strategy to reduce suicide, 2015-2020,’ is being held in Dundalk next week.

Connecting for Life sets out the actions that will be taken to reduce suicide and self-harm in Ireland over this five year period

The national strategy aims to facilitate a better understanding of suicidal behaviour, mental health and wellbeing; to support communities capacity to prevent and respond to suicidal behaviour; to target approaches to reduce suicidal behaviour and improve mental health amongst those vulnerable to suicide.

It also aims to enhance accessibility, consistency, care pathways and integration of services for people vulnerable to suicide behaviour, while ensuring safe and high quality services for people vulnerable to suicide and reducing and restrict access to means of suicidal behaviour.

The HSE is currently working to improve surveillance, evaluation and high quality research relating to suicidal behaviour.

A HSE spokesperson said: ‘Although a lot of work is being done and is ongoing from individuals, groups and organisations, there is still more that can be done to promote good mental health, prevent future suicide deaths and support those who are bereaved by suicide.’

‘ Therefore, a key part of the development of the Regional Suicide Prevention Action Plan, is providing an opportunity for as many people as possible to have their say regarding what should be included.’

Members of the public, and those working with community, health and social care organisations are being invited to give their views through workshops and surveys, to inform the Suicide Prevention Action Plan. Groups will be invited to say what their concerns are, and what they feel is most needed to improve mental health, and reduce suicide and self-harm in communities.

The Dundalk event will be held on Monday October 2nd at 2.30pm in the Oak Room at the Ballymascanlon hotel.