Farm leader voices concern over rural suicide levels

A FRIENDLY word from a neighbour or a simple phone call to a helpline number could end up saving a life in the ongoing battle against the scourge of rural suicides in the West of Ireland, an IFA leader told the Connacht Tribune this week.

Maura Canning, of the Galway IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee, said that the trend of suicides among males in rural Galway continued to be of great concern to families and communities across the county.

Next week in Ballinasloe, the GELS (Galway East Life Support) organisation have organised a special ‘safeTALK’ training programme aimed at making people more aware of what the suicide danger signs can be in an individual.

The three hour training programme in Gullane’s Hotel, Ballinasloe, on the Thursday night of October 24 (6pm to 9.30pm), will inform participants of the basic steps that can be taken to save the life of a potential suicide victim.

Although the figures haven’t been officially provided, the Connacht Tribune has learned that around 15 people in the county have lost their lives so far this year due to suicide – last year in the Republic of Ireland there were almost 500 deaths due to suicide.

“Sometimes there’s a kind of taboo about this subject with people not wanting to talk about it, but the most thing we want is for individuals who are under stress, who are troubled or who are suffering from depression, is to make that vital first contact.

“In cases like this, taking that absolutely critical first step of ‘opening up’ and talking to someone in confidence, whether it be a neighbour, friend or relative – or a call to a helpline – can be a life saving exercise,” said Maura Canning.

The GELS organisation – set up earlier this year to try and help communities and families to ‘tune into’ the issue of suicide – are hoping to set up a contact centre in Ballinasloe over the coming months to help co-ordinate their work.

Anyone interested in taking part in next week’s one night training programme must book as places are limited (no fee) at Maryosullivan@hse.ie or alternatively phone GELS at 085-1237878.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.