A CANDLELIGHT vigil was held in Dublin last night to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Families, friends and colleagues of people who took their own lives gathered at College Green to light candles in memory of those who died.
A one minute’s silence was observed by the crowd before candles were lit and music was played.
The vigil was the first of three vigils organised by the 3Ts (Turn the Tide of Suicide) charity. A vigil will be held at St Nicholas’s Collegiate Church in Galway tonight and in the Bull Ring in Wexford next Tuesday.
The 3Ts charity expressed concern at the 12.5 per cent reduction in funding for voluntary groups working to prevent suicide and said early intervention could save lives.
Alcohol Action Ireland yesterday highlighted the link between alcohol and suicide and called for measures to reduce young people’s access to alcohol.
Its director Cliona Murphy said that although alcohol could initially produce a euphoric effect, it could lead to a significant drop in mood later that night or within the following days.
“A person doesn’t have to be a heavy drinker or even a regular drinker. Just one occasion of heavy drinking can reduce inhibitions enough to act on suicidal thoughts,” she said.
Charities and health services used World Suicide Prevention Day to highlight the services they offer to people who are in crisis.
The suicide charity Console marked the day by introducing a new online suicide bereavement certificate course.
It has teamed up with the Salvation Army in Australia, where youth suicide levels have dropped in recent years. The course will help people working in the health, emergency and education sectors to deal with suicide bereavement.
Console chief executive Paul Kelly said he hoped the skills taught in this programme would give participants confidence, greater compassion and increased understanding of suicide.
The HSE South highlighted its suicide prevention helpline 1800 742745 which can be used by people who are thinking about taking their own lives, as well as their families. Their farm and rural stress helpline can be contacted at 1800 742645.
Dan Neville, president of the Irish Association of Suicidology said there was a “dire need” for the introduction of suicide prevention programmes.
The Fine Gael deputy said it was clear that suicide and attempted suicide was having a serious effect on the population. “The neglect of the past 10 years in dealing with the issue must stop and a commitment to allocating resources to reduce suicide must be demanded of the Government and provided by them,” Mr Neville said.
