20,000 Houses To Receive Suicide Information Booklet

20,000 households are to receive booklets on suicide prevention as part of a new initiative by the East Belfast Community Development Agency (EBCDA).

The 'Message of Hope' suicide prevention booklet is being launched today at the East Belfast Network Centre on Templemore Avenue by mental health advocate and former broadcaster Lynda Bryans.

EBCDA says the booklet has been developed "in response to the need for information on suicide prevention and support services in east Belfast".

It will be delivered to 20,000 local households by the end of September and contains information on how to support those affected by the issues surrounding suicide.

Funding for the development of the booklet and its distribution was provided by BT, whose employees donated via their Payroll Giving Scheme.

EBCDA's Suicide Prevention Development officer Clare James said: "East Belfast, along with other parts of Northern Ireland, has seen a rise in suicide rates over the past number of years. The reasons behind this are complex but there are things we can all do to help to prevent suicides. This booklet gives people some basic advice on how they can play a role in suicide prevention and includes contact details for lots of local organisations who offer support.

"We are delighted that we have been able to develop the booklet thanks to the donation from BT and the fact that it can be delivered to people's homes means we can reach a wide audience. We would really encourage everyone who gets the booklet through their door to keep hold of it."

Ms James added: "Even if you have never been affected by suicide, you might need the information some day as suicide can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or where you live. If we all look out for each other we can help to prevent suicides and save lives; this booklet gives advice on how you can do that."

Copies of the booklet will be available today and service providers working in the fields of suicide prevention and emotional wellbeing will have information stands at the event.

For more information, call 028 9045 1512.

(IT/JP)