Soroptimist Mullingar, in association with Living Links and the HSE, have organised an ecumenical service in Mullingar Cathedral at 7.30pm on Monday September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day

Monday September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, the aim of which is to promote a better understanding and awareness of the issues involved in suicidal behaviour and to highlight the effective prevention activities available.

This is a day when all can pause to think if there is anything we can do to help the prevention of suicide in our community.

The work for the prevention of suicide is ever more challenging when one considers that the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed a 7% increase in suicides in Ireland, to 525 suicides recorded in 2011, 84% of them males.

To mark the important day, Soroptimist Mullingar, in association with Living Links and the HSE, have organised an ecumenical service in Mullingar Cathedral at 7.30pm for the people of Westmeath and Longford. This occasion gives the people of the two counties an opportunity to come together to show their support for the prevention of suicide. The service is open to everyone. It promises to be a special occasion with beautiful music and song being provided by Ger Lillis, Helen Hassett and John Smith. The service will open with an entrance procession with a representative from a number of the many organisations and association in Longford and Westmeath - if you wish to have your organisation included in the entrance procession marking support for suicide prevention, contact Sarah McCormack, sarah.mccormack@hse.ie, 086 2552720 or Sheila Cassidy scassidy@ckfinacials.ie, 0862437954.

Following the service everyone is invited to refreshments in St Mary's Hall and will have the opportunity to hear the refreshing music by Midlands Youth Orchestra.

Please support this important event for Suicide Prevention and join together in the Cathedral at 7.30pm, Monday September 10.