Extra help for families following child suicides in Belfast

Suicide counselling services in west Belfast have been extended after two young children took their own lives.

The unconnected deaths of Ciara Doherty, 11, from the Mount Eagles estate, and 13-year-old Martin Rooney, from nearby Twinbrook, are the latest in a worrying spate of young suicides in the area.

Martin, a talented footballer who captained his local team Glendowan FC, was laid to rest by his devastated family today after a funeral service at St Luke’s Parish church.

He died in the Royal Victoria Hospital on Thursday, while Ciara was found dead at her home on Friday night.

Fears of further tragedies prompted an emergency meeting of health and education officials, community representatives, police and politicians.

Plans have now been made to provide additional support to young people in the coming week, targeting schools and other youth settings.

Mental health experts are putting more resources into the Colin district and across west Belfast while social networking sites will be used to engage with children.