Awareness the key to tackling growing suicide problem

NEARLY 500 people take their own lives every year, but the problem can be tackled by greater public awareness, a suicide prevention forum heard yesterday.

Organisers said it was unacceptable that the number of people dying from suicide was greater than the number of people killed in road traffic accidents.

President Mary McAleese, who addressed the forum, said reducing the suicide rate required a collective, concerted effort from all groups in society.