HSE trains groups in suicide prevention

THE HSE’s national office for suicide prevention (NOSP) has begun training staff in organisations such as Citizens Advice and MABS because of the increasing numbers of people presenting in distress, the minister with responsibility for mental health has said.

Labour TD Kathleen Lynch said the programme was one of many suicide prevention initiatives that were in place and which were being developed by the HSE.

In the Seanad yesterday, Ms Lynch said the increasing number of deaths by suicide was of “great concern”.

“It is important that we recognise that since 2007, there has been a particularly high increase in the number of deaths by suicide of men in the 35 to 54 age group.

“While there is an increase in the number of women dying by suicide, the numbers are still significantly lower than in men.”

Ms Lynch said the economic situation was having an effect on people’s mental health and wellbeing.

“Our young adult population who grew up in a time of prosperity when work and opportunities were plentiful are particularly affected by this downturn in our financial circumstances.

“One readily understands the devastation that can occur when you think of the relative speed with which the recession hit, the severity of it and the very high impact on lives particularly for those who acquired large mortgages in the preceding years, maybe had a very young family and then suffered the hardship of unemployment.”

The minister said the funding available in 2011 nationally through the HSE for suicide prevention was about €9m, of which €4.1m was available to the NOSP and about €5m was available regionally to fund resource officers for suicide prevention, self-harm liaison nurses in hospitals, and local suicide prevention initiatives.

She said the funding provided in this area in 2011 included a special allocation of €1m specifically to target initiatives to address the increasing incidence of suicide and deliberate self-harm.

Outlining restructuring plans for the HSE, Ms Lynch said there would be “radical reform” of the health service generally which would see the introduction of universal health insurance.

“Significantly the new system of governance will involve seven directorates, including a separate Directorate for Mental Health which will have full responsibility and accountability in that area,” she said.