HEALTH chiefs in the North West are to highlight how to recognise the signs that people may be suicidal and to show what help is availale to anyone thinking of taking their own life.
The Western Health and Social Services Trust (Western Trust) is marking World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 by holding a public seminar in the South West College, Omagh for families bereaved through suicide.
The seminar will include a keynote presentation from Dr Frank Campbell, a world-wide renowned clinical social worker from The Crisis Centre Foundation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Dr Campbell will be delivering a powerful presentation called ‘The Canyon of Why’, which makes use of metaphors to aid healing from sudden and traumatic loss.
Dr Campbell said: “The question ‘why’, is one that persists for those bereaved by suicide. This presentation will illustrate the journey for the bereaved in attempting to find the answer.”
The Western Trust has recognised that suicide affects everyone and there is a shared responsibility to prevent it.
Recognising the need for community engagement, the Western Trust and Western Health and Social Services Board (WHSSB) are facilitating additional public events throughout the autumn.
Events will be providing practical advice and support for staff as well as community commitment for suicide prevention through the development of Community Response Plans.
On October 10, World Mental Health Day, a public conference will be considering the support required to help young people cope with life.
Barry McGale, suicide liaison officer for the Western Trust said: “The loss of life by suicide is a tragedy that devastates families.
“It sends ripples through communities and affects so many people and leaves the question ‘Why’?
“People self-harming may have emotional health problems, but only a minority of them seek professional help.
“The message is clear – a greater public awareness of the issues surrounding self harm and suicide and of the warning signs among our young can alert people to get the help that is needed earlier.”
Dorothy Hutchinson, chair of the Western Suicide Strategy Implementation Group, Western Health & Social Services Board said: “The Western Health & Social Services Board recognises that suicide is a hugely complex issue requiring a comprehensive solution with the help of the entire community.
“We are greatly concerned that a growing number of people are responding to life’s difficulties by self-harming and taking their life by suicide.
“As a result we wish to play an active role in working with a broad range of service providers to combat the problem and in recognising the important role the entire community plays.”
This seminar is free of charge and will be held in Omagh College at 7pm. For further details contact the Western Trust Health Promotion Department on 028 7186 5127.
(c) 2008 Belfast Telegraph. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.
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