Let’s Talk Mental Health and Addiction marks World Suicide Prevention Day this Friday
A newly formed support organisation, Let’s Talk Mental Health and Addiction, is to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Friday (Sep10) by hosting public events in Drogheda and Dundalk to remember those who have died by suicide.
They are asking people in both towns to stand in solidarity with the families of lost loved ones.
As in previous years, hundreds of pairs of shoes will be placed on the steps of St Peter’s Church in Drogheda as a powerful symbol of the toll suicide has taken across the region. In Dundalk, a special ceremony will take place in the Square.
Data from the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention shows that 340 people took their own lives in Ireland in 2020 – 259 men and 81 women.
That compares to 421 in 2019 – but experts warn last year’s figure could be higher as the pandemic caused the closure of public Coroner’s courts – meaning deaths by suicide have not yet been registered.
Almost 3,000 people on average take their own lives daily, according to World Health Organisation figures, with 20 or more others attempting to end their lives for every one that succeeds.
“This is our fifth year running this event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day and is our way of remembering loved ones that have taken their own lives prematurely through suicide,” said Councillor Declan Power, a trustee of Let’s Talk.
“At 5.00 pm on Friday in Drogheda, Councillor Pio Smith, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, will speak on the steps of St. Peter’s Church, on behalf of the Red Door Project, about dual diagnosis.
“This is where a person suffers from both a substance addiction problem and another mental health issue such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
“We will also have a display of 500 pairs of shoes on the steps, placed in memory of loved ones lost through suicide.
“Mayor of Drogheda, Councillor James Byrne, will light a remembrance candle and a one-minute reflective silence will also take place as the bells toll in Dundalk and Drogheda. Taking to the clouds above will be two white doves as part of the remembrance ceremony.”
Messages of hope will also be read by students from several Drogheda secondary schools.
In Dundalk, a ceremony will take place in the Square at 1pm.
“We are asking people to stop, reflect and think of somebody they know that has taken their own life,” said Councillor Power.
“We are also inviting people to display a photograph of a loved one in our ceremonial area. This year has been particularly tough and challenging for all of us. Sometimes we have to press the pause button and hit reset when we feel that life is getting us down.”
The public is welcome to attend both events but is asked to remain mindful of social distancing and mask-wearing.
Let’s Talk chairperson, Anita McCann, said the group’s aim is to provide a holistic approach alongside access to counselling, support workers and supportive advocacy.
The organisation, which is in the process of applying for charitable status, will support those affected by mental health and addiction issues, and their families, across the Northeast.
“We want to make this about the individuals, their families who seek our help and support and provide them with the best possible service and empower them to have a voice in their recovery and support needs,” she said.
“We will also provide information, training, mentoring and coaching to individuals, family members, healthcare professions, service providers and policymakers.”
If you or someone close to you is affected by mental health or addiction issues, call/text the Let’s Talk Helpline: 086 056 5746, 10am-5pm Monday to Friday. A 24-hour helpline will be operational soon.
