HSE Kildare Wicklow South Dublin Marks World Suicide Prevention Day.

CH07 is encouraging people to start conversations about mental health.

Today marks World Suicide Prevention Day.

Latest figures from the CSO show 437 people died by suicide in Ireland in 2018.

HSE Kildare, West Wicklow, South Dublin  is encouraging people to start conversations about mental health.

Tom McEvoy, Funding and Advocacy Manager at Pieta House is encouraging people to reach out to anyone they're worried about:

And,a candle-lit vigil is taking place at the Spire in Dublin this evening to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

It's organised by the group Action for Suicide Prevention, and takes place at 8pm.

The aim is to remember those who have died by suicide and to offer solace to those who may be struggling with mental health issues.

It will involve speeches, songs, and poems on the theme of mental health.

Kevin Brady is Head of Service Mental Health, Dublin South, Kildare and West Wicklow Community Healthcare and says On World Suicide Prevention Day, I encourage all to connect with and support local and community organisations across Dublin South, Kildare and West Wicklow to volunteer, help spread their messages, and become involved in activities that help promote positive mental health and wellbeing and suicide prevention in your community. By communities and services working together we can help to create a more compassionate society where those who need to, feel more comfortable in coming forward to seek and get support when they need it most.”

This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay we can make a difference in ours and others lives by taking small actions. Reach in and support a family member or friend, or reach out when you need it, there is support out there. #CreatingHopethroughAction #WSPD2021 #ConnectingForLife pic.twitter.com/AYJURAPMDw

— HSE Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow (@HSECHO7) September 10, 2021

The HSE Kildare, West Wicklow, South Dublin, says there are six simple actions you can take, that can help create hope with others.

1. Reach in - Reach in to someone you know might be struggling or to someone who you know has struggled before.
2. Reach out - If you are feeling particularly low or hopeless, always remember that sharing things with someone else will help.
3. Reconnect – Find ways to re-establish meaningful connections for people, wherever they have been lost or damaged. A good sense of belonging is important for people’s mental health
4. Learn more – Learn more about suicide prevention and how to recognise and identify people who might be at risk of suicide, confidently ask them about suicide, and connect them with resources that can help.
5. Show your support - Connect with a support or community organisation - volunteer, help spread their messages, and become involved in activities that help promote positive mental health and wellbeing, or suicide prevention in your community.
6. Know where to turn - Get to know what mental health services and supports are available, and tell more people about them.

Want to find out more?

The HSE YourMentalHealth Information Line, is available anytime day or night, for information on what other services and supports are available near you – freephone 1800 111 888 or visit www.yourmentahealth.ie.

From the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP). Contact us at: info@nosp.ie.

Join the conversation on Twitter – search for and use @NOSPIreland, #connectingforlife and #WSPD2021