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31/07/2018
SDLP MLA Calls For L'Derry Suicide Prevention Taskforce
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has written to the Department of Health calling for the establishment of a Suicide Prevention Taskforce in L'Derry.
Mr Durkan said that there is a lot of knowledge and goodwill in the city across many sectors, including charities, and "it should be harnessed and resourced to make a real difference and save lives".
In his letter, addressed to the Departments Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly, Mr Durkan puts on record his party's support for the Public Health Agency's 'Our Future Foyle' initiative but said that further intervention and investment is required along with "urgent action necessary to stem what seems to be an ever increasing problem … causing devastation to families and communities."
Mr Durkan added: "(The) establishment of this forum itself would demonstrate a desire to address what seems like a suicide epidemic here…"
It is understood that Mr Durkan's sister, Gay, took her own life in 2011 and the MLA has said that he continues to "struggle to come to terms with her death".
(MH/LM)
Mr Durkan said that there is a lot of knowledge and goodwill in the city across many sectors, including charities, and "it should be harnessed and resourced to make a real difference and save lives".
In his letter, addressed to the Departments Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly, Mr Durkan puts on record his party's support for the Public Health Agency's 'Our Future Foyle' initiative but said that further intervention and investment is required along with "urgent action necessary to stem what seems to be an ever increasing problem … causing devastation to families and communities."
Mr Durkan added: "(The) establishment of this forum itself would demonstrate a desire to address what seems like a suicide epidemic here…"
It is understood that Mr Durkan's sister, Gay, took her own life in 2011 and the MLA has said that he continues to "struggle to come to terms with her death".
(MH/LM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
