Caitríona Bergin proposes collaborative effort to address suicide crisis in North Leitrim and South Donegal

Caitríona Bergin, a passionate Fine Gael local election candidate in the Manorhamilton Local Electoral Area (LEA), is stepping forward to address the devastating surge in suicides that have rocked the communities of North Leitrim and South Donegal in recent months. Witnessing seven tragic losses, all men, has deeply affected the fabric of our closely-knit community, leaving families shattered and hearts heavy with grief.

Caitríona Bergin's journey is deeply personal, having experienced the profound loss of her brother, uncle, and friend to suicide. Driven by her empathy and fuelled by her resolve, she is determined to take action and prevent further heartache from ravaging our community.

“It's heart-wrenching to see the devastating impact that suicide has had on our community, particularly among our men,” said Caitríona.

“We cannot afford to stand idly by while lives are lost. It's time for us to come together as a community and take proactive steps to address this crisis.”

Caitríona is extending an open invitation to all organisations; Leitrim County Council, NGOs, and key community organisations such as Northwest STOP Suicide, Macra na Feirme, the Irish Farmers Association, and the GAA, amongst others to join forces in addressing this urgent issue.

“We need to be creative in tackling this issue as past experiences have shown not everyone actively seeks help, so we must create an environment where all facets of life offer safety for people, especially men, to be able to be seen and feel safe to tell someone that they are struggling.”

Drawing inspiration from her past efforts, Caitríona spearheaded the Pieta House ‘Mind Your Buddy’ programme for a national rollout through rugby clubs in 2014 during her role with the IRFU.

In her call to action, Caitríona urges these organisations to come together, engage with the community, and explore avenues to create a tailored suicide prevention programme. Through collaborative efforts, she envisions a program that promotes awareness, provides support, and empowers individuals to seek help when needed.

“Let us harness our collective strength, compassion, and determination to tackle this crisis head-on. By working together, we can create a program that saves lives, offers hope, and ensures that no one feels alone in their struggle.”

Caitríona believes that by coming together as a community, we can create a safety net of care and resilience that protects our loved ones from the grip of despair. Through open dialogue, education, and de-stigmatisation of mental health issues, we can break down barriers and ensure that no one suffers in silence.

“Together, we can turn our pain into purpose, our grief into action, and our losses into a legacy of hope. With unwavering determination and collective effort, we will overcome this tragic issue and build a brighter future for generations to come.”