Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

WORLD SUICIDE DAY - "We must strive to reach a suicide safer community" Cllr Pat Mc Ginn

Published: 8 September, 2009

Fews area Sinn Féin Councillor Pat Mc Ginn who recently successfully completed a Suicide first aid prevention course (ASIST) course, commenting on World Suicide Day stated that it was vital that campaigns to raise awareness and understanding of suicide amongst the general public and more specifically to encourage people at risk to get help early. "On this World Suicide Day as we reflect on those whom we have known that have ended their lives through suicide, it is important that we continue on a professional and caring level, continue to raise awareness and understanding of suicide among the general public and more specifically to encourage people at risk to get help early. We must strive to reach a suicide-safer community and to understand how personal suicide and community beliefs about suicide affect suicide stigma and safety" said the Councillor who explained that the two day ASIST Course that he attended involved skills-building workshops that helps prepare caregivers of all kinds to provide suicide first aid interventions. "My participation in the ASIST course convinced me that professionals, volunteers and informal helpers of all need to know how to help persons with thoughts of suicide in ways that increase their suicide safety." aid Pat who concluded by commending the work of the local Suicide Prevention and Support Groups. "They have led the way in a professional, caring and appropriate manner in highlighting all issues involved with suicide and self harm. Because of the efforts of these people, many of whom who have been directly impacted upon through the loss of a loved one through suicide, people like me and society in general, have become more aware of the issue