700 to attend vigils in memory of lost loved ones

ALMOST 700 people directly affected by suicide are expected to attend a series of public vigils and support days this week as part of World Suicide Prevention Week.

From today, tens of thousands of families worldwide will take part in remembrance events for people who have lost their lives.

Latest figures from the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) have stated that almost 4,000 people have officially died by suicide in Ireland since the start of the decade.

And highlighting how the issue is continuing to affect this country, organisers of three Irish vigils in Dublin, Wexford and Galway over the coming days have confirmed that up to 700 people are expected to attend.

“Last year we saw 250 people in Dublin, 200 in Wexford and a similar number in Galway.

“The numbers have steadily risen year on year, so we’re expecting at least that amount again this year,” explained a spokesperson for leading support group, Turning the Tide of Suicide (3TS).

While Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures, based on Coroners Court decisions, state that on average there are just over 400 suicides in this country every year, independent groups have consistently argued the true figure is between 5-25% higher.

According to the provisional figures for 2008, released by the NOSP last week, there were 424 deaths by suicide last year.

However, the 3TS group has questioned the accuracy of the figures as they are based on initial registration statistics instead of end of year occurrence rates.

* Further information on the suicide bereavement vigils is available on 01-2139905 or the Turning the Tide of Suicide website, www.3ts.ie.