Public meeting to set up new suicide prevention group

Public meeting to set up new suicide prevention group

18 September 2013

A PUBLIC meeting in Downpatrick tomorrow night will focus on the concerning issue of suicide with the aim of setting up a local support group.

The event at the Ballymote Centre is being organised by the Newcastle and district branch of PIPS (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide) and starts at 7pm. The meeting is scheduled to last for two hours.

Branch member, Ms. Sharon Fitzpatrick, said the organisation has been approached by people in the Downpatrick area who are very concerned about the growing number of deaths by suicide within their community.

“People are at a loss on how best to approach the issue within their local community,” she explained.

“They are unaware of what resources are available to those dealing with a bereavement by suicide or dealing with someone who has suicidal thoughts.”

Ms. Fitzpatrick said there is also concern about people who are self-harming and explained tomorrow night’s event is open to everyone.

She added: “One of the objectives is to establish a support group for members of the local community who have been impacted by the ongoing tragedy of suicide. Suicide is everyone’s business.”