HSE launching suicide awareness programme

The HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster is launching a series of suicide awareness sessions entitled the "Gatekeeper Community Education Programme" on the 9th February.The sessions will take place over a six week period in the Social Service Centre in Mullingar for approximately two hours each evening from 7.30 - 9.30 p.m.The programme has been developed by the Suicide Resource Office of the HSE Midlands as part of an overall suicide prevention initiative and as such covers a broad range of topics. The Community Education Services of Co. Westmeath V.E.C. have invited the Suicide Resource Service to deliver this Community Education Programme within their local community.The topics covered aims to develop thinking around the subject of mental health in general, its relevance to our lives of today, and the need and importance of maintaining our own mental health and general sense of well-being.As suicide is not an isolated event, but one which is culminated by a crisis or a series of crises in the lives of many individuals, prevention of suicide must be broader ranging than merely focusing on this issue in isolation.Speaking about the programme Josephine Rigney, Training & Development Officer, HSE Suicide Resource Office said, 'The pace of life in the 21st century places a responsibility upon all of us to increase our awareness and understanding of the complex issues that have to be faced on our individual journeys through life. This Programme is aimed at everyone who has an interest and concern for themselves and their families (we are all "Gatekeepers") and also those who have an interest and commitment to developing community links within their local area - the natural 'Gatekeepers' who are the back bone of all communities.'Attendance at the programme is open to all members of the general public and community and is free of charge. If you would like to attend, please contact Nuala O"Brien, Community Education Facilitator, Co. Westmeath V.E.C on 090 649 7004 or Josephine Rigney, Training & Development Officer, Suicide Resource Office HSE on 057 86 64513.