Starting a conversation could make a difference.
That’s the advice on World Suicide Prevention Day with Samaritans encouraging us all to intervene if we believe somebody’s struggling with around ten people dying by suicide every week.
It says people shouldn’t worry about finding the perfect words – their crew can be contacted free at any time on 116 123.
There are a number of events locally taking place today to mark the date – including at the Involvement Centres in Carlow (through the yellow door on the St Dympna’s Complex) and in Kilkenny (Collier’s Lane) with a coffee morning from 11am to 12:30pm offering a warm cuppa and chat.
Also with Carlow Mental Health Association:
Meanwhile, the HSE is reminding us all that supports are available;
- There’s a free Crisis Textline, 50808, that is available 24/7 and is a safe space to share anonymously, where trained volunteers will engage with you. See www.textaboutit.ie/
- Freephone our mental health information line on (1800) 111 888 any time, day or night. You can also check out www.YourMentalHealth.ie or www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/get-urgent-help/ for further resources and advice.
- Supported by the HSE, the Samaritans provide a 24/7, 365 days a year phone service. You can call, day or night, whatever you are going through, FREE from any phone on 116 123. See www.samaritans.org/ireland/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
- Supported by the HSE Pieta provides the 24/7 national suicide helpline, Freephone 1800 247 247.
- In partnership with the HSE, www.HospiceFoundationIreland.ie provides a Bereavement Support Line, to provide connection, comfort and support and a shoulder to lean on. Freephone (1800) 80 70 77 (available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday).
People in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford can access health services on a 24 hour basis:
- through their GP and/or Caredoc GP Out of Hour services – tel. 0818 300 365
- via the Emergency Department 24 hours a day (and where mental health liaison services are in place at University Hospital Waterford (UHW), Wexford General Hospital, St. Luke’s General Hospital (SLGH) for Carlow/Kilkenny and Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel.
- through the local mental health service (which takes referrals from the family doctor, Caredoc/out of hours GP service or health professionals in the Emergency Departments of hospitals).
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