Suicide prevention..... Public Meetings

A series of public meetings will be held over the coming weeks across Cork to develop a Suicide Prevention Action Plan for the county.  Cork Community Healthcare, in partnership with local organisations and community and voluntary groups will be hosting the meetings with a view to developing a local strategy to improve mental health and prevent suicidal behaviour in Cork City and County

The meetings will build on the national strategy “Connecting for Life” incorporating international best practice, building on previous prevention measures and aiming to reduce the risk factors for suicidal behaviour.

According to Martin Ryan Resource,  Suicide Resource Officer for Cork city and county: “Suicide prevention is everyone’s business and we all need to be aware of what we can do individually and as part of our community to promote mental health and reduce suicide.”

Martin and his team are hosting the meetings across Cork and are inviting everyone to come along as they want to meet and speak with as great a number of individuals from as many different areas and backgrounds as possible.

“Suicide prevention is an issue of huge importance to communities across Ireland.  In Cork we want the entire community to come together to work with us in addressing it. We all share a deep concern that can drive us to make positive changes and to embrace the idea that suicide prevention is everyone’s business.”

The next meeting takes place in  Adair Hall Fermoy 12^th September 7pm - 9.30pm. The meetings will all be facilitated by the Cork Community Healthcare Organisation.  Among the key areas to be discussed at the meetings will be the promotion of a better understanding of suicidal behaviour, supporting communities to prevent and respond to suicidal behaviour, using targeted approaches to support those vulnerable to suicidal behaviour.

Details of the meetings:

·         Kinsale Acton’s Hotel 13^th  September      7pm-9.30pm

·         Mallow Youth Centre   14^th  September    7pm -9.30pm

·         Carrigaline Community Building Church Rd    20^th September      7pm -9.30pm

·          Midleton Park Hotel    21^st September    7pm – 9.30pm

·         Gaelscoil Mhichíl Uí Choileáin,Fernhill Rd,Clonakilty    22^nd September      7pm -  9.30pm

·         North Duhollow, Ird Duhallow Community Building    29^th September      7pm -9.30pm

·         Maritime Hotel Bantry      4^th October 2016            7pm -9.30pm