Suicide prevention additional funding welcomed

Ógra Shinn Féin national organiser Barry McColgan has welcomed of additional funding for community work to prevent suicide in west and north Belfast. This will mean that £463,000 including the additional funding is available for this year.

Barry McColgan welcomed the development adding:

"The issue of suicide and suicide prevention is a huge issue facing modern Ireland. The announcement of additional funding is welcome news as is its timing. With the onset of summer the frequency of suicides and attempted suicide increases during this period. The extremely high suicide levels in the north and west Belfast areas needs to be tackled and the additional funding allows this to be done in a community based approach.

"Ireland has one of the worst incidences of suicide. It is the biggest killer of young people in our country. Over the last ten years, reported suicides in Ireland have risen by more than 25%. North and west Belfast have been particularly affected.

"Suicide prevention needs sustained resources. I welcome the additional funding made available by the minister and hope that the much needed resources and funding continue. If the issue of suicide is to be tackled head on such developments are welcome."