Mary McEvoy to be main speaker at ecumenical service on suicide
A special ecumenical service takes place at The Cathedral of Christ the King in Mullingar today, Tuesday September 10, at 7.30pm, to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
The service has been organised by Soroptimist Mullingar in association with Living Links and the HSE, and among those supporting the initiative is actress, Mary McEvoy, who will be guest speaker at the event.
Mary is someone who knows well the challenges of dealing with depression and the importance of building on the support available through professionals, communities, family and friends.
The service will open with an entrance procession with representatives from many of the organisations and association in Longford and Westmeath.
The Westmeath Rose of Tralee will also be taking a part in this special event to mark the prevention of suicide for the community.
Following the service everyone is invited to refreshments in St Mary’s Hall, which gives an opportunity for the community to take a little time to chat and link in with each other.
If you wish to have your organisation included in the entrance procession to mark your support for suicide prevention, contact Sarah McCormack, sarah.mccormack@hse.ie, 086 2552720 or Helen Cooney, hc_eire@hotmail.co.uk, 0870546060
It is the third successive year in which the service has been organised, and the aim is to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health issues.
The World Health Organisation reports that approximately one million people worldwide die by suicide each year – one death by suicide every 40 seconds.
In this country more than 500 people died by suicide in 2012. In any year, an average of 9,630 individuals present at emergency departments from deliberate self harm.
Suicide is the biggest cause of death among men and women under the age of 35. The World Health Organisation reports show Ireland still has the fifth highest suicide rate in the EU in the 15-24 year group.
It was 2003 that this day was first designated as World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) and it has been held each year since then.
The international theme for this day in 2013 is Stigma: A major Barrier to Suicide Prevention.
• Mullingar Cathedral, Tuesday September 10, 7.30pm.