Vigils to be held in Tullamore and Birr to mark World Suicide Prevention Day

Vigils to mark World Suicide Prevention Day will be held throughout the Midlands at the locations of the ‘Trees of Hope’ which were planted last year.

The vigils are being organised by Midlands Living Links and will take place on Tuesday, September 10 in Tullamore, Birr, Portlaoise, Longford and Westmeath.

In Birr at 10 o'clock Church Service will be held in St Brendan’s Catholic Church, followed by vigil at the Tree of Hope in the Tranquility Garden at the rear of the Church, while in Tullamore, there will be a gathering at the Tree of Hope in Lloyd Town Park at 7pm.

Working Together to Prevent Suicide is the theme for this year and is an opportunity for all of us to play our part in preventing suicide, according to the HSE Suicide Resource Officer for Laois/Offaly Josephine Rigney.

“We can all make a difference, as a member of society, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour,” says Josephine.

“There are many things that we can do, on a daily basis and on World Suicide Prevention Day, to prevent suicidal behaviour. These include raising awareness about the issue, educating ourselves and others about the causes and the warning signs for suicide, showing compassion and care for those who are in distress in our communities, questioning the stigma associated with suicide, suicidal behaviour and mental health problems and also by sharing our own experiences.”

The HSE Resource Office for Suicide Prevention offers training programmes that prepare participants to recognise, engage with and support persons who may be having thoughts of suicide.

See https://bookwhen.com/suicidepreventiontrainingmidlands for information regarding the various programmes, scheduled dates and venues and to register to attend.

Two evening safeTALK or suicide alertness programmes have also been scheduled for Tullamore on September 11 in Arden View Family Resource Centre at 7pm and Portlaoise on 12th September in the Parish Centre at 7pm.

Why not attend and give yourself the opportunity to increase your awareness and be in a position to support someone who may be going through a difficult time. Programmes can also be delivered upon request to your workplace, community group, club by contacting the Resource Officer in your area: Laois/Offaly - Josephine Rigney, email: josephine.rigney@hse.ie or Mobile: 086 8157850; Longford/Westmeath: Eddie Ward, email: eddie.ward@hse.ie.

“The listening ear of someone with compassion, empathy and a lack of judgement can help restore hope in someone who is feeling distressed and vulnerable,” continues Josephine.

“On World Suicide Prevention Day, take a minute to notice what is going on with you, your family, your friends and your colleagues. Take a minute to reach out and start a conversation if you notice something is different or not quite right. Take a minute to find out what help is available for both yourself and others - Local GPs, MiDoc Out of Hours Service 1850 302 702; Hospital Emergency Departments, Pieta House 24/7 Suicide Helpline 1800 247 247, The Samaritans 116 123; or the Emergency Services 999 / 112”. 

Websites such as www.yourmentalhealth.ie and www.nosp.ie give information on how to support yourself or someone you care about and details of local and national services.

Pieta House provide a bereavement liaison service for those who have lost a family member or a friend or colleague to suicide and may like to avail of support with their grief. Bernie Carroll is the Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer for the Midlands and she can be contacted on 086 418 0088 or email: bernie.carroll@pieta.ie. Midlands Living Links also provide a listening and support service and can be contacted through their Co-Ordinator on 086 1600641.