Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Ógra deliver ASIST programme in Omagh

Ógra Shinn Féin hosted their second ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) programme in Omagh at the weekend. The programme was delivered to a cross section of people including youth and community activists in Strathroy Community Centre and the two day course was funded by Omagh District Council.



Speaking following the conclusion of the ASIST programme in Omagh, National Organiser Barry McColgan, who completed the course last year said,

“Suicide is a huge issue for all of us to collectively raise awareness and work to prevent. In the past number of years, we have seen a worrying increase in suicide during the summer months but it is through programmes like the ASIST project that we can equip people with the necessary skills to deal with anyone contemplating taking their own life.”

“Ógra Shinn Féin has been campaigning for an increase in funding for mental health and suicide prevention projects. With Ireland having a high number of suicides’, this is too huge of an national tragedy to be ignored. I would urge anyone or any group that is interested in working on Suicide Prevention or delivering an ASIST programme to get in touch with ourselves through email on osfnational@yahoo.ie or alternatively by telephone on 07885569940. We must unite and tackle this huge issue head on.”

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