The Downpatrick Area Suicide Prevention Taskgroup has set out to achieve Suicide Safer Community status writes Pat McGreevy, spokesperson for the group.
The local multi-agency group has been meeting since May 2015 and was launched formally in March 2016.Every year an average of seven people from the Downpatrick area die by suicide.
The decision to pursue the recognition was taken towards the end of 2016 and a letter of intent was lodged with Livingworks Education at Christmas. Livingworks Education initiated and maintain the Suicide Safer Community scheme which encourages communities to adopt a structured approach to suicide prevention based on nine key elements or ‘pillars’.
The decision to grant the award is taken by Livingworks Education and officials from the country where the application has come from.
Mr McGreevy said: “This is a process in which the journey may prove more valuable than the destination. The nine pillars or elements of the award provide a very clear framework against which the work that is already being done can be evaluated.
“This will enable the identification of gaps in the services that are provided and areas that could be improved. The Taskgroup, which is comprised of representatives of all the main organisations providing suicide prevention services in the area, have set themselves a two year timescale in which to achieve the award.
“It is envisaged that several subgroups will be set up to gather the evidence needed to meet the specific criteria. Crucially these subgroups will produce new products such as a local directory, factsheets, and online resources which will be designed to be of immediate use to those working to prevent suicide locally.
“The group are very keen to have other organisations send representatives to join them in their work and to expand the network.”
For more information please contact Pat McGreevy on:
mcgreevy_pat@yahoo.co.uk
or via the Social Enterprise Hub in Downpatrick at 02844 839532.
