Thousands of self-harmers visiting A&E

Up to 11,000 people who randomly harm themselves visit Accident & Emergency clinics every year, it emerged tonight.

The issue of parasuicide or deliberate self-harm, will be discussed at the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) first forum on suicide prevention in Dublin tomorrow.

The event was organised by the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention, which was set up after a September 2005 report, ’Reach Out- A National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention’.

The HSE said there was an average of 494 deaths by suicide between 2000 and 2002. It is also estimated that up to 11,000 people present themselves at A&E departments each year as a result of deliberate self-harm.

National Suicide Prevention Office director Geoff Day will also present findings to the forum of recent research in the field of suicide prevention.

Derek Chambers, research and resource officer with the National Suicide Review Group, will outline some of the national initiatives funded by €1.2m additional Government grants in 2005.

Mr Day said: “This forum is a particularly significant event. Tragically, suicide in Ireland is a growing phenomenon, this forum will allow the opportunity to share the work of the office, consider some recent research and discuss some of the specific initiatives to be pursued in this area.

“I am hopeful that an opportunity will be provided for all involved in the area of suicide prevention to learn and share relevant information which will assist in dealing with this serious problem.”

Co Donegal group, Community Relations will also give a presentation on how it uses its www.spunout.ie website as a source of information, guidance and support to thousands of young people.

President Mary McAleese is also due to address the Forum.