Suicide prevention experts in Killarney

MANY of Ireland’s leading experts on suicide prevention are set to speak at the Irish Association of Suicidology’s 20th National Conference, which takes place at Killarney’s Brehon Hotel this week.

The two day conference begins tomorrow, October 6, with an opening address by Senator Joan Freeman of Pieta House, and will continue until Friday evening.

“This conference takes a critical look at all aspects of current practice in suicide prevention, and innovations and direction will be presented,” said IAS Treasurer Neasa Cummins.

Contributions will be made by representatives of groups including The Donal Walsh #LiveLife Foundation, Féileacáin, ReachOut Ireland, Pieta House, the GAA, and Contact NI, who will all showcase the activities of their organisations.

“Everyone is free to attend, and we’ve actually built up a strong following over the years. The first conference was in 1996, and some people that attended that conference will be here again this week,” said Neasa.

“It’s not the first time Killarney has hosted a momentous event of this nature. The town was home to the International Association of Suicide Prevention’s World Congress in 2007, so the town has experience,” she continued.

“The overall objective is that participants draw inspiration, find new tools, and forge connections that will strengthen and support their work in suicide prevention,” Neasa Cummins said.

Full details about the conference – including details of all speakers and discussions and the times for all events – are available from the association’s website at www. ias.ie.