Plan seeks to tackle suicide and promote positive mental health

A plan to tackle suicide in a part of the country with the highest rate of people taking their own lives has been launched.

Mental Health Minister Kathleen Lynch yesterday unveiled the Kerry Suicide Response Plan at the new Console McAuley Centre in Tralee.

According to a 2012 national report, Kerry had the highest number of suicides (18.3 deaths per 100,000 people) totalling 80 deaths in the three-year period, 2009-2011.

The plan has been developed by the Kerry Suicide Response Forum, a HSE-led interagency partnership of 29 statutory, community and voluntary groups. Its main objective is to address the prevalence of death by suicide and early detection of suicide, as well as promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention. The aim also is to raise awareness of the supports available to people in distress or crisis and who may have thoughts of suicide.

An information leaflet and poster has been developed in order to advise people who have thoughts of suicide, and their families and friends, that help is available.

The plan also offers timely, co-ordinated support and practical help to people and families affected by suicide. A local response professional team is now available in each of the large towns (also covering surrounding areas) which will provide a response in the event of a suicide.

HSE frontline staff — mental health nursing, child care, community workers and primary care staff — and key people in community, including clergy, gardaí and GPs, will also respond when a death by suspected suicide occurs. Such people will also link with appropriate voluntary organisations to put in place the necessary supports required for the family and the community, at the most appropriate time.

Each team will provide support and information and access to counselling for the bereaved, as well as organising ongoing support at community level.

Chairperson of the Kerry Suicide Response Forum Michael Fitzgerald said international and national evidence showed that by integrating services and working together suicide rates could be reduced.

Dr Margaret Kelleher, consultant psychiatrist with the HSE in Kerry, said:’’ I have no doubt but the plan launched here today will help assist people in distress who may have thoughts of suicide and the families and communities who have been affected by suicide.”