Menu
14/05/2009
Irish President's Belfast Trip To Highlight Suicide
The tragedy of suicide is to be in focus next Monday when a high profile visitor arrives in north Belfast.
The Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide & Self-harm, (PIP'S) is to welcome the President of Ireland Mary McAleese (pictured) and her husband Martin to officially open the new PIP'S House headquarters in Belfast's Duncairn Gardens.
Along with Dawn Purvis, the PUP, MLA, Mrs McAleese will plant a special 'Tree of Life' in memory of loved ones who have died by their own hand.
President McAleese and Dawn Purvis will then both speak about the aims of the new house and the issue of suicide - which can affect anyone on the island of Ireland.
According to Philip McTaggart from the organsation, PIP'S are keen to show that this is an issue which affects all people from all communities.
He said this is the first such centre of excellence in Northern Ireland: "It will help those who have been affected by suicide and self-harm.
"Our aim is to increase community awareness around the issues of suicide and self harm, with a view to reducing the stigma and barriers attached to mental health," he said, explaining that, by doing so, they hope to encourage desperate people to seek help.
He said that PIPS has come a long way in just six years: "It's only with the commitment of the community, families and friends that we have this centre of excellence.
"Families continue to lead the way and to ensure that no one should have to suffer in silence again," he insisted, noting that funding for the new premises has come from the business and local community.
Monday afternoon will see the Irish President enjoy performances from choirs from St. Gemma's High School and Ulidia Integrated College.
Under 13 All Ireland & International Irish Dancing Champion and Ulster Scots dancers will also perform for the VIP during her trip, which takes place at 2pm on the 18 May at the new headquarters building.
(BMcC/JM)
The Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide & Self-harm, (PIP'S) is to welcome the President of Ireland Mary McAleese (pictured) and her husband Martin to officially open the new PIP'S House headquarters in Belfast's Duncairn Gardens.
Along with Dawn Purvis, the PUP, MLA, Mrs McAleese will plant a special 'Tree of Life' in memory of loved ones who have died by their own hand.
President McAleese and Dawn Purvis will then both speak about the aims of the new house and the issue of suicide - which can affect anyone on the island of Ireland.
According to Philip McTaggart from the organsation, PIP'S are keen to show that this is an issue which affects all people from all communities.
He said this is the first such centre of excellence in Northern Ireland: "It will help those who have been affected by suicide and self-harm.
"Our aim is to increase community awareness around the issues of suicide and self harm, with a view to reducing the stigma and barriers attached to mental health," he said, explaining that, by doing so, they hope to encourage desperate people to seek help.
He said that PIPS has come a long way in just six years: "It's only with the commitment of the community, families and friends that we have this centre of excellence.
"Families continue to lead the way and to ensure that no one should have to suffer in silence again," he insisted, noting that funding for the new premises has come from the business and local community.
Monday afternoon will see the Irish President enjoy performances from choirs from St. Gemma's High School and Ulidia Integrated College.
Under 13 All Ireland & International Irish Dancing Champion and Ulster Scots dancers will also perform for the VIP during her trip, which takes place at 2pm on the 18 May at the new headquarters building.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 December 2018
SDLP Calls For Further Progress On Controversial PIP Assessment Process
The SDLP's Deputy Leader has called for an urgent meeting with the Department for Communities to obtain an update on the actions being taken to correct the "unfair" PIP assessment process.
SDLP Calls For Further Progress On Controversial PIP Assessment Process
The SDLP's Deputy Leader has called for an urgent meeting with the Department for Communities to obtain an update on the actions being taken to correct the "unfair" PIP assessment process.
26 February 2010
Assisted Suicide Prosecutions To Continue
Helping someone to kill themselves will remain illegal in Northern Ireland, according to new guidance from the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). Following a widespread public consultation on its interim guidance the PPS has published its policy on prosecuting cases of encouraging and assisting suicide.
Assisted Suicide Prosecutions To Continue
Helping someone to kill themselves will remain illegal in Northern Ireland, according to new guidance from the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). Following a widespread public consultation on its interim guidance the PPS has published its policy on prosecuting cases of encouraging and assisting suicide.
10 September 2007
Papers Highlight NI Suicide Risk
Despite the high suicide rate in Northern Ireland some four out of five GPs do not have specialist knowledge of suicide prevention. The claim comes from Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Taskforce to mark world suicide prevention day.
Papers Highlight NI Suicide Risk
Despite the high suicide rate in Northern Ireland some four out of five GPs do not have specialist knowledge of suicide prevention. The claim comes from Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Taskforce to mark world suicide prevention day.
10 September 2019
DoH Reveal Plan To Reduce Suicide Rates
A plan to reduce suicide rates in Northern Ireland by 10% over the next five years has been unveiled by the Department of Health. The 'Project Life 2' strategy aims to deliver suicide prevention services and support, with a particular focus on deprived areas where rates are over 3.5 times higher.
DoH Reveal Plan To Reduce Suicide Rates
A plan to reduce suicide rates in Northern Ireland by 10% over the next five years has been unveiled by the Department of Health. The 'Project Life 2' strategy aims to deliver suicide prevention services and support, with a particular focus on deprived areas where rates are over 3.5 times higher.
10 September 2018
'It Is OK Not To Be OK' - SDLP
World Suicide Prevention Day should be used as a reminder that "it is OK, not to be OK" and that people should always know that they can seek help, according to SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan.
'It Is OK Not To Be OK' - SDLP
World Suicide Prevention Day should be used as a reminder that "it is OK, not to be OK" and that people should always know that they can seek help, according to SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
