New youth mental health booklet for Cork launched

A NEW pamphlet outlining the range of mental health services available for young people in Cork was launched this week by Lord Mayor Cllr Mick Finn.

The pamphlet is part of the ‘Connecting for Life Cork’ project, the suicide- and self-harm-reduction plan for the city and county, and was produced by Cork/Kerry Community Healthcare resources Officer for Suicide Prevention Martin Ryan and partners from across the community and voluntary sector.

He said the booklet was targeted at young people aged 15 and over, and aimed at providing “information that was accessible, clear and youth friendly.”

“I would like to thank the many services and organisations who contributed to the development of this booklet. This underpins the collaborative approach to suicide prevention in Cork, which has grown in recent years,” said Mr Ryan.

“Throughout the development of the booklet, many services and groups have been asked to review the content and approach, including our own drug and alcohol services, Jigsaw, the Cork Life Centre, reachout.com and many others.”

Cllr Finn said the booklet, along with other resources produced by various youth organisations, is part of an ongoing effort to alert young people to the many supports that are available to them.

“I encourage all youth groups and organisations, as well as all secondary schools in the city and county, to ensure this information gets to its target population,” said Cllr Finn.

The head of Mental Health Services for Cork/Kerry, Sinead Gleeson, paid tribute to all of the groups and individuals who contributed to the pamphlet.

“We hope that the booklet will also be useful resource for adults and those working with young people,” she said.

To get a copy of the booklet, contact Martin Ryan on martin. ryan8@hse.ie.