Taskforce to be set up in response to rise in number of local deaths
By Mary Dennehy
A TASKFORCE on suicide for South Dublin County is being established in response to the rising number of deaths across local estates – with the aim of providing a co-ordinated approach to suicide and a cohesive response for families and communities following the loss of a life.
The South Dublin County Partnership (SDCP) is steering the creation of a community-led taskforce on suicide, which will provide a co-ordinated approach and response to suicides locally - especially in some areas of Tallaght and Clondalkin where high instances of suicide are being recorded.
Larry O'Neill has ben tasked with establishing the taskforce
According to Larry O’Neill, who has been tasked with the job of establishing the taskforce, there is no co-ordinated approach to suicide, with the taskforce aiming to link local services together to provide the best response – while identifying gaps in supports.
“We will not be interfering or repeating the services that already exist in communities,” Mr O’ Neill said.
“We see a co-ordination role for the taskforce, an information role – and ultimately we want the taskforce to be community-led.
“There is fantastic work happening on the ground across communities and we want these groups and organisations to continue working freely and in confidence.
“We will not be interfering, the taskforce would be simply co-ordinating supports and if we see a gap in services, filling that gap.”
He added: “The amount of incidents reported to us here at the Partnership have been rising and I know the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force is noting a significant rise [in the number of suicides] across some areas.
Hardcore reality
“We are also seeing the hardcore reality of suicide on the mental health of the families and communities left behind.
“The taskforce will also support families and communities after a suicide to help prevent any repeat [or cluster] suicides.
“We believe that a cohesive effort at the right time could achieve a major reduction in suicide.
“There are people not with us this year who should be and if the Government spent half of what it was spending on road safety campaigns… I rest my case.”
Mr O’ Neill is currently putting together a small group of people to examine the creation of the taskforce, with a report due within the next four to six weeks.
The group is made up of individuals who are working in the area of mental health locally alongside representatives from agencies such as South Dublin County Council, the HSE and Tusla.
“There is no point in the Partnership trying to do this on their own,” Mr O’ Neill said.
“There is no overall co-ordinated approach to suicide in the county and we hope to create that in partnership with the community and existing services.”
If you require support, contact Samaritans 24 hour Freephone helpline 116123, Pieta House LoCall helpline 1800 247 247, HOPE Tallaght Village on 087 1363082 or Childline at 1800 66 66 66.
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