Suicide prevention group is formed in Downpatrick

Suicide prevention group is formed in Downpatrick

16 March 2016

A NEW group aiming to provide a local focus for suicide prevention efforts has been formed.

The Downpatrick Area Suicide Prevention Task Group was launched on Friday drawing together representatives from local community, voluntary and statutory organisations.

Their ultimate aim is to save the lives of those who, for whatever reason, feel that their only option is suicide.

One of those behind the new group is its chairman Pat McGreevy, who has worked as a mental health nurse and been a suicide prevention co-ordinator for the South Eastern Trust.

He said records showed that in recent years, on average, seven people died by suicide in the Down District area, and the new Newry Mourne and Down council area was second only to Belfast in terms of suicide rates. So as well as making sure all the local bodies are coordinated in their efforts, he has several practical suggestions.

“For people who have made an attempt to end their lives, I think that more can be done to provide care for them,” he said.

“Also, in a focus group we could learn from them. To find out why people commit suicide we need to hear from those who have attempted suicide.”

Pat also wants to help dispel some of the myths around suicide.

“People still believe if you talk about suicide it puts the idea in people’s heads,” he said.

“We could do with a public information campaign about suicide. There is a reticence to talk about suicide. But there is a widespread belief within the research area of suicide prevention that we need to talk about it.”

Pat said that by opening up the conversation around suicide they hoped to end the stigma attached.

“Think of how we discuss cancer now, but in days gone by cancer was referred to as the ‘Big C’, talked about behind your hand,” he added.

Pat, also involved with the regional Suicides Down to Zero campaign, said the new task group aimed to meet every two months.

“I am so very grateful to all those who have attended the launch and all those who have made it such a success,” he said. “The level of cooperation and collaboration amongst group members in organising the launch is a strong indication of  the commitment to suicide prevention in our area.”

The Downpatrick Area Suicide Prevention Task Group group, which includes representatives from PIPS, the PSNI, PCSP and health and wellbeing community groups, are starting with a two-day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) workshop.

The workshop will take place at Downpatrick Presbyterian Church on Fountain Street, Downpatrick on April 14 and 15. The workshop is open to anyone in a caring role. 

Anyone who would like more information on the Taskgroup or the ASIST workshop is asked to contact 07809 441950.