New 24-hour national suicide prevention helpline launched
A NEW 24 hour suicide prevention helpline was officially launched in Dublin recently by Padraig Harrington. 1Life (1800 247100) offers confidential advice and support nationwide for callers in need of help.
In addition to individuals in suicidal crisis, the service is of particular relevance to people who are feeling very low, who have had suicidal thoughts, who are self-harming, or who want to discuss any problems in relation to suicide. The service is provided by a team of professional counsellors and trained volunteers and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Approximately 600 people die by suicide in Ireland annually with over 11,000 presenting with self-harm to A&E departments; recent data shows an increase of eight percent in self harm presentations to hospital during 2008. Ireland has one of the highest levels of youth suicide in Europe - the frequency of suicide is highest among people in their 20s, with men aged 20-24 most at risk.
1Life has been established by two existing charities, The 3Ts (Turn the Tide of Suicide) and COnsole, to meet the need for a dedicated 24/7 national suicide prevention helpline service available to individuals in suicidal crisis or who are engaging in self-harm.
“Until now there has been a need for a 24 hour dedicated intervention helpline service for people in suicidal crisis, to complement existing services which are experiencing an increased demand on their resources, while facing a reduction in funding,” said Noel Smyth, Chairman and co-founder of The 3Ts.
“1Life has been established with the aim of preventing suicide and of meeting the very real need for counselling for those who are in crisis when they need it.”
“With an estimated 600 deaths by suicide in Ireland each year, thousands of Irish families are left struggling to overcome the grief and emotional impact of the suicide of a loved one,” added Paul Kelly, founder of Console.
“Many people in crisis feel isolated, hopeless and overwhelmed by their circumstance and, in many cases, do not know where to turn. We urge anyone who is in crisis and feeling overwhelmed to call 1Life at any time.”
Professor Kevin Malone, co-founder of the 3Ts and Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Research, St Vincent’s University Hospital, said “Research show that 80 percent of those who die by suicide have indicated their intentions to someone in the preceding weeks, so whether planned or impulsive, there is a window of opportunity for assistance. 1Life is a vital avenue of help for those who need it, offering a confidential, anonymous and non-judgmental service.”
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Weather for Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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