9th Annual Conference
Suicide Prevention: What You Can Do
29th September – 1st October, 2004
Talbot Hotel
Wexford
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Welcome Note
Irish Association of Suicidology
Dear Delegates,
The ninth annual meeting of the Irish Association of Suicidology has at its theme
“Suicide Prevention – What you can do”. This challenges society to acknowledge its
responsibility for recognising and responding to this serious public health issue. Hiding
behind the stigma that is still attached to suicide must end. There is need to substantially
invest in research into why the level of completed suicides is averaging 450 per annum.
Why this has risen from an average of 64 per annum in the nineteen sixties. There is a
need to invest substantially in carefully researched suicide prevention programmes.
While recognising the success of other countries in this area and drawing from their
experiences, programmes in Ireland must be based on careful research of the special
societal issues present in modern Ireland.
There is urgency in recognising the need to invest in the psychiatric Services.
International research demonstrates that in excess of 80% of people who complete suicide
are suffering from a psychiatric condition. Since 1997 state contribution to the
psychiatric services has dropped from 11% to 6.7% of the national health budget.
Substantial investment in the services will have a pronounced effect on the level of
suicides. There is a need for appropriate specialisms, user and carer involvement,
management efficiency and community mental health teams with true multidisciplinary
capacities. In particular there is a need for adequate service for a range of specific
groups; the homeless, children and adolescents, those with eating disorders, and those
requiring forensic psychiatric services, including prisoners. The concern regarding the
psychiatry of learning disability must be addressed.
Stigma remains an enduring problem, with widespread negative consequences. It has
negative impact on the willingness of people to acknowledge mental health problems
with subsequent difficulties for early diagnosis and treatment.
The 2004 conference is especially recognising the trauma of the bereaved of suicide.
This has been addressed over the years in our conferences. A dedicated section at this
year’s conference is a most welcome development and will add to our knowledge of the
deep human tragedy of suicide and how those bereaved and service providers can obtain
a better understanding of the area.
Mr Dan Neville TD
President
Irish Association of Suicidology
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3
Bereavement Seminar
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A GRIEF CONCEALED
Mr. Christy Kenneally
Author of ‘Life after Loss’
Abstract
You should never say to a Cork man can you hear me at the back.
One of the advantages about being occasionally on television is that total strangers come
up to you in Talbot Hotel in Wexford and say we love your programme on the television
Duncan. His hair is naturally that colour, ok so behave yourselves. There are
advantages, last Christmas my wife and I were coming home in Dublin and we were
driving out the road and there was a Garda check point, and you know the way you pull
up and you put down the window and you inhale as you say goodnight Garda, he came
over to the window he looked in and said I know your face yes he said your Bob the
builder drive on. Do you know in the civilised parts of the world at this time of the day
people go to bed, it’s typical of Irish people of course that they come to a course or a
series of lectures or whatever. It’s that great masochistic thing in Ireland, you know, I
enjoyed myself yesterday I have to punish myself today and this is the pure kind of ritual
punishment that Irish people have to come to the after lunch, a spot like this. They traced
it back to the Jansenists, now in case there is anybody here, who is not from Mayo, does
not know very well what Jansenism is, well the Jansenists basically believed that human
nature was evil, you know, but joy was suspect laughter was not on the menu. It was
very popular in Switzerland, for some reason, where they have a sense of humour but
they take it very seriously. I think to understand the Swiss you have to realise that the
Italians had 150 years or murder and mayhem out of which they gave to the renaissance
the Swiss had 800 years of uninterrupted peace of which they gave us the cuckoo clock
and Toblerone chocolates.
NO TIME TO SAY GOODBYE: SURVIVING THE SUICIDE OF A LOVED ONE
Ms. Carla Fine
Author of ‘No Time to Say Goodbye
Abstract
Carla Fine’s physician husband killed himself in 1989 at the age of 43. Carla
draws from her own experience as well as those of many other survivors and
professionals to provide information and guidance to help deal with the grief
and despair that follow in the wake of suicide. Carla speaks about the
overwhelming feelings of confusion, guilt, blame, anger, and loneliness that are
shared by all survivors, including the intense isolation that surrounds mourning
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the loss of a loved one to suicide. Carla discusses how the bereavement process
of suicide survivors is shrouded in stigma and silenced by shame. She offers
practical steps and suggestions for healing and easing the burden of pain so that
survivors can begin to remember their loved one’s life, not just their death.
Carla shows how by talking about suicide openly and reaching out to others
who are also alone in their grief and suffering, survivors can turn their loved
one’s legacy into one of hope instead of despair.
THE EMPIRICAL APPROACH TO BEREAVEMENT SUPPORTS
Dr. Tony Byrne - Sr. Kathleen Maguire
Community Educator and Director of programmes on Facing up to Suicide, Confronting
Bullying, Harmony in the Home and Facing up to Alcohol Misuse
Abstract

Empirical versus normative approach to bereavement support

Compassion: the key to bereavement support

Levels of bereavement: shock, unnecessary blame and shame, loneliness and loss,
certificate, inquest, beginnings of recovery, transcendent level

The fear factor and bereavement

“I cannot be responsible for my dear one’s death by suicide, but I should feel
responsible for trying to heal because I owe it to myself, my family and my
friends”

Collaborative/gender balance approach to bereavement support

Suicide and the Moral issue
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MENS’ EXPERIENCE OF GRIEF FOLLOWING DEATH BY SUICIDE
Dr. Adrian Hill
Executive Director of the Legal Profession Assistance Conference and Treasurer of the
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
Abstract
Adrian will address the issue of men’s’ grief and bereavement. By sharing our
experience, strength and hope, He will confront the confusion, anger, denial
and the erosion of the value of living, while identifying what has worked to
bring forth healing, renewed optimism and purpose. We will invite men to
explore their grief following a death by suicide and to identify what worked in
moving past the pain and anguish and re-establishing acceptance, equilibrium
and serenity. Men can fall into an emotional wasteland following a death by
suicide.
OPENING ADDRESS
Mr. Tom Byrne
Regional Manager, Mental Health and Older People Services. South-Eastern Health
Board
I am delighted to have been invited here to deliver the opening address for the 9th Annual
Conference of the Irish Association of Suicidology. I am particularly delighted to
welcome you to the South East, my adopted part of the country. For those of us who
were privileged to be here yesterday for the bereavement part of the conference we heard
the very moving accounts of the speakers who had themselves had experienced the very
depths of despair involving the death of a close family member/ partner through suicide
and yet were able to leave us with a very positive message of hope……
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The Michael Kelleher Memorial Lecture
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES OF SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGIES
Dr. Annette Beautrais
Principal Investigator, Canterbury Suicide Project, New Zealand
Abstract
This talk will provide an overview of national suicide prevention strategies.
This issue will be examined from several perspectives: a. international
recommendations for suicide prevention strategies; b. common and unique
elements of national suicide prevention strategies; c. current evidence for the
effectiveness of elements of different national plans; d. approaches to
determining appropriate indicators for national progress in suicide prevention; e.
research needs to promote evaluation of existing plans and development of
national plans in countries which have not yet developed strategies.
STRATEGIES OF SUICIDE PREVENTION
Dr. Maila Upanne
Development Manager, National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health, Helsinki,
Finland
Abstract
Finland was the first country to prepare a national strategy for suicide
prevention in 1992. Today at least ten countries, including Ireland, have
prepared strategies of their own. Suicide prevention can, indeed, be considered
a comprehensive international movement for developing activities and
encouraging research all over the world. New international guidelines have
been published, as well, to reinforce those countries without the strategy to start
developing activities (Mental Health Europe, Belgian Federal Ministry of
Health and WHO European Network on Suicide Prevention and Research,
2004).This means that commonly accepted understanding and strategic
principles concerning suicide prevention really are available. The core of this
understanding is, first, a conception of suicide as a multi-factorial and processtype phenomenon and, accordingly, a broad conception of activities needed.
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Due to many factors on many levels - various kinds of life events in various
kinds of conditions in various phases of life - , several kinds of interventions,
several groups of actors and several levels of authorities, as well, are needed.
Voluntary work as a visible and invisible authority is a most relevant power in
of suicide prevention. When developing suicide prevention in practice two
main challenges remains. First, what we know about suicide and how we
understand or conceptualise it (i.e. "content") and secondly, how to create a
strategy, how to implement it and finally, how to evaluate its effects (i.e.
"strategy and methods"). How clear and comprehensive general guidelines may
be, conceptions in practice may follow quite different lines. Different priorities
referring to e.g. where to focus and when (in what phase of the process) to
intervene occur. E.g. my study-results (Upanne, 2001) showed that preventionapproach and care-approach meaning "late intervention" can be competitors in
practice. What seems to be essential for success of practical programmes will
be characterised using experiences from Finland as an example.
SUICIDE PREVENTION IN IRELAND
Dr. John F. Connolly
Hon. Secretary, Irish Association of Suicidology
Abstract
In this talk we look at the history of suicide in Ireland, the legal frame work within which
we work, the changing trends in suicide rates over the past 30 years, the steps that have
been taken in suicide prevention in recent times and make some suggestions for the
future.
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WHAT CAN RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY
TEACH US ABOUT WORKING WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE PRONE TO
SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR?
Dr Tony Bates
Dept of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin
Abstract
Psychological theory and research have evolved some valuable insights into key
processes in the mind that precede suicidal behaviour. What happens for some
individuals such that their experience of loss, depression or rejection, leads to a
suicidal crisis whereas for many others this is not the case? This talk will review
two recent ‘mindfulness-based’ psychotherapeutic approaches that appear to
directly address these processes and expand our repertoire of helpful
interventions for this population. They have been developed through working
with people with severe personality difficulties (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)
and with those who suffer from severe recurrent episodes of depression
(Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy). Both of these groups contain a high
proportion of people who are highly at risk for suicide. These newer
approaches incorporate many of the useful strategies in earlier forms of
behavioural and cognitive therapies but they also recognise specific limits in
these earlier approaches. Their relevance for suicidal patients in particular will
be explored. An overview of these newer interventions will be presented, with
sample exercises, case examples and critical discussion about the appropriate
timing and integration of these interventions within an overall treatment
strategy.
WORK OF THE IRISH ADVOCACY NETWORK
Ms. Noreen Fitzgibbon
Irish Advocacy Network
Abstract
I was asked to speak to you about what the Irish Advocacy Network does to prevent
suicide and how it supports people who are suicidal. The very nature of our work
provides such support. It is my belief that many people who presently use, or have used
the psychiatric services take their own lives, or attempt to take their own lives because of
being disempowered, stigmatised and lack the hope of recovery. People in care become
unable to trust their own judgement, become indecisive, submissive to authority and
frightened of the outside world. I will briefly address these issues in my talk.
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SUICIDE PREVENTION: A CHANGE OF ATTITUDE
Ms Sheila Dalton
AWARE
Abstract
In 1998, the Department of Health and Children published the report of the National Task
Force on Suicide. That same year, after extensive research and consultation, Aware
published “Suicide in Ireland - A Global Perspective and A National Strategy”. Prof.
Patrick McKeon, in his foreword, stated that “Reducing the suicide rate cannot be
achieved without a change of awareness, attitude, and commitment to the care of people
with depression, alcohol, drug dependence and schizophrenia”. These conditions,
however, do not seem to receive similar or equally effective life-saving attention as do
other areas of medicine. The question is asked, ‘Why? ’However, responsibility for the
prevention of suicide does not lie with the Statutory and Health Care Agencies alone.
Attitudes must change throughout society. In this context, a further question is asked:
‘Have we moved forward as individuals, as communities and as a political system in
changing our attitudes to suicide and its prevention’?
SCHIZOPHRENIA IRELAND’S LIFE HOPE PROJECT
Ms. Kahlil Thompson
Projects Officer for Schizophrenia Ireland and Project Manager of The Life Hope
Project
Abstract
Suicide is the single largest cause of premature death among people with schizophrenia.
Against this backdrop, Schizophrenia Ireland (SI) considers that suicide prevention is an
integral part of addressing the needs of people with schizophrenia. The purpose of the
“Life Hope” project is to increase awareness about suicide and its prevention, offer
enhanced counselling services and to empower people with mental illness and their
relatives with the tools to aid suicide prevention. It is SI’s view that the best prevention
of suicide is the social and emotional support given to people with schizophrenia,
offering them hope that life will improve.
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LEARNING AFTER DESPAIR
Mr Mike Watts
National Programme co-ordinator, GROW
Abstract
As young people both myself and my wife Fran experienced long periods of
despair, with a growing desire for the pain of that despair to end. Suicide
became a definition option for us both, for very different reasons, in different
ways and at very different stages in our lives. Through our involvement in
GROW, with its emphasis on finding and nurturing healing relationships we
now look back on those times from positions of personal fulfilment and a
gratefulness for the gift of life. This presentation looks at some of the
relationships that helped us and some that hindered. It looks at the effects of
labelling people, either as people with illness or people with qualifications.
Finally it suggests how any individual that is experiencing despair can be
reached and helped to find a way towards hope and healing.
WORK OF THE RESOURCE OFFICERS IN SUICIDE PREVENTION
Ms Teresa Mason
Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, Northern Area Health Board.
Abstract
The position of Resource Officer for suicide prevention is a relatively new one in the
health boards in Ireland. The first officer was appointed following the publication of the
Report of the National Task Force on Suicide in 1998. An outline for the role was
presented in the Task Force Report and this has been developed since that time. This
presentation will explain the role and responsibilities of the Resource Officer for suicide
prevention. It will discuss how the Officers link with others working in suicide
prevention and outline a number of suicide prevention projects involving Resource
Officers that are underway in the country.
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Poster Session
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SUICIDE RESOURCE OFFICE – SOUTH EASTERN HEALTH BOARD
RESOURCES AND PUBLICATIONS
Mr. John Kennedy/ Ms. Agatha Lawless
Training & Development Officers, Suicide Resource Office, SEHB
Abstract
This display will highlight the Training Programmes being delivered by the Suicide
Resource Office and the Resources and Publications that have been developed there.
As well as delivering general awareness training around suicide, the Suicide Resource
Office delivers the following programmes:

1 Day Suicide Awareness Training

Older Adults: Depression and Suicide

ASIST - 2 day workshop – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

Suicide Awareness in Schools – A 15 hour training programme for teachers

Community Education Programme - 20 hour training
A HEALTH SERVICE RESPONSE TO SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT: DONEGAL
MODEL AND FINDINGS
Ms Carol Phelan
Bereavement Counsellor, North Western Health Board
Abstract
The North Western Health Board Bereavement Counselling Service has
operated for almost five years in County Donegal, providing a model of
response to suicide bereavement within an integrated bereavement service.
Traumatic deaths and complicated grief reactions were prioritised, without the
service being dedicated to suicide bereavement per se. Suicide bereavement has
steadily risen in the four full years of service, representing 22% of all referrals
in 2003 and 43% of open cases at year-end. In total 78 referrals have been
received relating to suicide bereavement in four years, and this paper will
present statistical findings relating to same. This will include referral patterns
and pathways, timing post bereavement, length of engagement, age range and
relationship with person who died by suicide, method of suicide, and whether
witnessed by person referred. Discussion will be made of the above and their
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implications in terms of both service and therapeutic responses to suicide. A
case study will be briefly presented, mapping the different phases of therapeutic
engagement, including individual therapy and therapeutic group work.
WE CAN ALL BE SAMARITANS
Mr Paul O’Hare
Public Relations Officer, Samaritans, Ireland
Abstract
The most recent stage in Samaritans' emotional health positioning, the 'We can
all be Samaritans' posters shown demonstrate the relevance and importance of
attitudes towards emotional health issues. Developed by Advertising agency
'Social Republic' using a brief centring on 'Human Connections', each poster is a
colour photographic image reflecting different everyday scenarios which
suggest two people making this connection. The use of photography enhances
the reality of the situations and evidence of the connection - such as two empty
glasses and two sets of footprints - is shown. This campaign reinforces
Samaritans' relevance in emotional health promotion and delivers a message
about how everyone can be of assistance to those who may need of support.
The postering is accompanied by press creatives, television, radio and on-line
banner advertising. This has appeared in Ireland since March 2004 courtesy of
Samaritans’ Irish media agency, Initiative.
WEXFORD SELF HARM INTERVENTION PROJECT
Mr Athol Henwick
Counsellor Therapist, Wexford Self Harm Intervention Programme
Abstract
The aim of the project is to evaluate the effectiveness of a counseling /
psychotherapy service offering short-term contracts as a strategy to reduce the
incidence of suicide and parasuicide.
The objectives of the project are:
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1) To enable individuals who are at risk to have a choice in terms of the available
interventions
2) To provide a non-judgmental, client-centered service where potential clients can
begin to explore and understand the nature of their emotional distress
3) To empower individuals to explore alternative coping strategies
4) To assist individuals take control of their lives by providing a service which
promotes the personal autonomy of the individual
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Paper Presentations
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SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER: RESPONDING TO A COMMUNITY IN
CRISIS
Sean McCarthy/Derek Chambers
Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention SEHB. Research & Resource Officer NSRG
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to highlight the challenges faced within County
Wexford by the health services in responding to a suspected cluster of suicides.
Within a six-week period during November/December 2002 there were 11
suspected deaths by suicide in the area of Enniscorthy and its hinterland. This
attracted considerable media attention, some of which might be considered
insensitive, further increasing public concern and trauma for the community.
This paper shall discuss the actions undertaken by the health services to respond
to these deaths. Such actions were taken in the immediate, medium and long
term. It shall highlight the uptake of services that were provided along with the
resource implications of providing such services in the immediate to medium
term. The long-term response in County Wexford shall be discussed. This
response is a true interdisciplinary multi-agency response and is in line with The
United Nations Guidelines for the formulation and implementation of National
Strategies, which recommend that we should aim ‘to promote, co-ordinate and
support intersectoral programmes for the prevention of suicidal behaviour at
national, regional and local levels’. The action plan dovetails with the National
Task Force Report 1998 and The South Eastern Health Boards suicide
prevention strategy 1999 thus providing a national, regional and local response.
The action plan is led by the Wexford County Development Board this is
unique as it is the first attempt in the Country by a County Development Board
to address the issue. There are 31 action points in the plan under the headings
of reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors. Recent figures
released by the Central Statistics office indicate that there were 23 deaths
registered as suicides in the Wexford area for 2003. A number of these could be
attributed to the deaths in the latter part of 2002.
Caroline Farquhar MBA MBE
Head of Implementation for Choose Life
Choose Life is the Scottish Executive‘s national strategy to reduce and prevent suicides
in Scotland. The strategy was launched in December 2002 after a 3 year consultation
period with carers, professionals, academics and communities.
Choose Life is an integral element of the Scottish Executive National Programme to
improve mental health and well being for the people of Scotland. The National
Programme has 4 key aims :18




To raise awareness of and promote positive mental health and well being
Eliminate stigma and discrimination
Prevent suicide
Promote and support recovery
STAFF NURSES PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR ROLE IN CARING FOR
SUICIDAL CLIENTS IN A PSYCHIATRIC HEALTHCARE SETTING IN THE
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Catherine Delaney
St. Patrick’s Hospital, Dublin
Abstract
To date there has been little research conducted in the Republic of Ireland about
the role of psychiatric nurses in caring for people considered to be at risk of
ending their lives. International nursing literature has revealed that nursing staff
working in acute in-patient psychiatric hospitals are involved in caring for
people admitted following attempted and high risk behaviour (Long & Reid,
1996; Midence et al, 1996; Cleary et al, 1999). This research paper focused on
the role of psychiatric nurses employed in a psychiatric hospital in the North
Dublin area. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the nurses
role in caring for people who have been admitted to hospital following an
attempt to end their lives. Ethical approval was sought and granted prior to the
study. Individual tape-recorded interviews were conducted with eight registered
psychiatric nurses. A phenomenological approach was utilised during data
collection to obtain a meaningful understanding of the nurses experiences when
caring for a suicidal person. During the interviews a number of issues were
discussed, these included nurses knowledge and awareness of suicide and
further education in suicide awareness, and their perception of suicide. Other
issues discussed during the interviews included the length of time nurses spend
on special observation of a suicidal person, the legal implications on the nurse
when caring for a suicidal patient and nurses suggestions and recommendations
regarding the care of suicidal people. A number of themes emerged following
analysis of the findings from the interviews. Some recommendations for
nursing practice and for further research were presented in the final report of
this paper.
PARACETAMOL RESTRICTION – AN EFFECTIVE PUBLIC HEALTH
INTERVENTION
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Mr Paddy Hopkins – Head of Health Intelligence, NHS Highland, Scotland.
Dr Cameron Stark – Consultant in Public Health, NHS Highland, Scotland.
Abstract
To evaluate the effectiveness of the legislation, introduced in 1998, restricting
pack sizes of paracetamol and aspirin in reducing suicide and non-fatal
deliberate overdoses in Scotland. A before-and-after study, testing for statistical
significance using the comparisons of proportions of two independent samples,
by age group and gender. The data covered all hospital admissions following a
non-fatal overdoses, and suicides from deliberate overdoses in Scotland
between 1994-2002. Previous work on the impact of the restrictions was
conducted soon after the introduction of the legislation, and data was limited to
specific geographical areas. This work provides a longer-term follow-up with
complete coverage of Scotland. We found initial reductions in the numbers of
paracetamol suicides and non-fatal overdose admissions, but this has not been
sustained. Of equal importance are the differences between age groups and
gender, contributing to existing evaluations by highlighting target groups for the
future.
SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS IN IRISH ADOLESCENT SUICIDE
Dr. Caroline Smyth & Mr Mark Logan
Rehab Care, Galway
Abstract
Ireland currently ranks 24th internationally in terms of its youth suicide rate
(World Health Organisation, 2002) and 25th highest of 35 countries across
Europe (Lyddy, 2004). More dramatic than the overall rate of suicide, is
Ireland’s top ranking in terms of the gender ratio of completed suicides where,
for 2002, 4.7 male suicides were seen for every 1 female suicide. This increase
in suicide has been seen at a time of extensive socio-cultural change. Despite
the general suggestion that this socio-cultural redesign may be linked to the
increase in suicide, both research and clinical investigations have, in the main,
failed to include social and cultural factors resulting in a dearth of information.
This research specifically took a contextualised, culturally embedded approach
to youth suicide. Each of psychological, situational, and cultural factors were
considered in combination with regard to their impact on youth suicide.
Working with a total of 673 participants aged between 15 and 19 years the
aforementioned issues relating to psychological experience, culture and
situational life stressors were examined. Thus, contextual factors were
considered at two levels – the level of acculturation experience and at the level
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of situational precursors to suicidal behaviour. Significant, gendered pathways
were observed. There was no over-lap between the male and the female
trajectory to suicide, thus providing some insight into the differential experience
of adolescent males and females, possibly linked to the previously mentioned
gender disparity in suicide rate. The implications of these findings for the
prevention of suicide and the promotion of emotional health in the Irish context
will be discussed.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO ATTITUDES TOWARDS SUICIDE AMONG
CORONERS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND AND NORTHERN
IRELAND
Farrow, R.1, Corcoran, P.1, Arensman, E1, Perry, IJ2
1
National Suicide Research Foundation
2
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College Cork
Internationally, various groups of professionals and students have been studied regarding
attitudes towards suicidal behaviour. These include politicians, medical doctors, nurses,
medical students, nursing students, psychology students, people who engage in suicidal
behaviour and the families of those who engage in suicidal behaviour. Coroners
represent a professional group that is frequently confronted with completed suicide.
However they have rarely been studied in relation to their attitudes towards suicide and
its prevention. In most European countries coroners are not involved in the decision
process of how a person died. However, in Ireland and the U.K. coroners play an
important role in this decision making process. Coroners are either medically trained or
legally trained.
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WORKSHOPS
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LIVING WITH A SUICIDAL PERSON: WHAT FAMILIES CAN DO
Heather Fiske
Clinical Psychologist, Therapist, Supervisor, Consultant, Educator and Trainer, Ontario.
Abstract
Any individual who is living with a suicidal family member is both a person facing
enormous pain and stress, and a potential resource in the successful treatment of the
person at risk. Providing helpful information, support, guidance, and validation for
family members’ efforts can facilitate better outcomes for both the suicidal person and
for family members who want to help. This workshop focuses on what family members
can do to make a difference and on how volunteer and professional helpers can assist.
This article is intended as a handout for anyone living with or caring for a suicidal
person.
THE DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICATION PROPERLY (DUMP) PROJECT.
AN INITIATIVE TO REDUCE ACCESS TO MEANS
Denis O’Driscoll, Catherine Brogan
Addiction Services, SWAHB, Dublin, Resource Officer for Suicide and Mental Health
Promotion, SWAHB.
Abstract
Parasuicide and suicide represents a significant cost on health and resources in Ireland as
well as the threat to human life. The Disposal of Unused Medication Properly (DUMP)
project was piloted as a potential for reducing access to means for suicide and
parasuicide. Added benefit would be to include reducing accidental poisoning in
children, and environmental pollution from pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs).
The pilot was run over 6 weeks in Oct-Nov 2002 in 6 community pharmacies. Each
pharmacy was provided with waste disposal containers, paper carrier bags printed with
the project logo containing an information leaflet detailing the project aims, and a poster
advertising the project. Each pharmacist was required to record all medicines returned,
approximate quantity, the date and reason for return. Waste disposal containers were
collected three times during the pilot and disposed of in line with E.U and Irish
legislation. The results demonstrated: significant quantities of unused/ unwanted
medications were returned, 108 kg of pharmaceuticals primarily due to not finishing or
not starting. A correlation was noted between the medication of choice as a method of
overdose and medication type being returned (National Parasuicide Registry Annual
2002). Results demonstrated using the WHO ICD-10 classification that in the X60, X61
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and X62, 59, 55 and 19 items out of a total of 421 returned. DUMP has subsequently
been implemented in all pharmacies registered within SWAHB.
INTRODUCTION
In order to address the recommendations of the National Task Force on Suicide (1998),
relating to Para suicide with medicines, an interagency group consisting of SWAHB,
EHSS, Clinical Collections, Sterile Technologies Ltd, Sharpes Containers Ltd, and IPU
was set up. The main aim of the group was to organize, the proper disposal and
destruction of unused medicines from the community in order to reduce potential suicides
and para-suicides, prevent accidental overdose in children and protect the environment
from pollution.
The DUMP project aspired to ensure the safe disposal and destruction of unused
medicines in the South Western Area Health Board, by guaranteeing a safe method of
disposal by returning unused medicines to a local pharmacy, rather than disposing of
them with the household waste or flushing them down the toilet.
The terms of reference include:
 Examine the quantity of medicines returned and destroyed
 Conduct BNF and ICD 10 drug classification on medicines returned
 Examine the reasons for return of medicines
 Consider the Cost to the SWAHB.
The main benefits to public health underpinning the campaign were:
 Prevention of Suicide / Para suicide
 Accidental poisoning
 Environmental Protection.
Each year, in Ireland, there is an estimated 10,000 attendances at A& E departments
following attempted suicide. In the annual report published by the National Suicide
Research Foundation on Para suicide (2002), the methods most frequently employed was
overdose (65% men and 77% women), followed by Cutting, Hanging, Drowning and
Alcohol poisoning. The most common choices of drugs used are Minor tranquillisers
46.4%, Analgesic 40.8%, and Major Tranquillisers 10.8%. Paracetamol is the most
common analgesic seen in 27.6% of overdoses, Antidepressant SSRI’s are found in
18.8% of overdoses and other prescribed medical drugs found in 21.4% of cases. In
February 2000, the Department of Public Health and the Health Promotion Department of
the former Eastern Health Board developed a preventative strategy for specific types of
injury; poison prevention in children was one of the main priorities. One of the main
points of the plan was to implement an imaginative poison awareness campaign targeted
at parents. This report also recommended a reduction of hospital admissions and A&E
attendance’s by 50% (over a 10-year period from 1997) among children under 5 years of
age. This had been previously investigated in a scheme which had been launched in the
ECAHB in cooperation with the Dun Laoighaire -Rathdown county council in 2001.
Further to this it has demonstrated up to 80 pharmaceutically active compounds (Pac)
have been found to microgram level per litre in treated effluent and surface water
downstream from these plants. Further to this polar compounds especially clofibric acid,
carbamazapine and contrast media have been know to leach into subsoil and ground level
24
aquifers However in drinking water levels of PhACs were below the levels of detection,
however it has been suggested from some research that levels of for example EE at levels
of o.1ng/l may cause feminisation in some wild fish species. This in turn may lead to
extinction of species or even the possibility of build-up within the food chain of these
PhACs.
METHODOLOGY
In the pilot it was decided that a rural urban cross would be targeted, initially 6
pharmacies were chosen as the project team had little or no idea of what the results would
be and the resources that would be required. The costing for this project were kept to a
minimum and the companies involved in the disposal and removal of the waste offered
their services free of charge. The pilot phase lasted for 6 weeks, and included three pick
ups of medication, the first allowing the pharmacy to rid themselves of any previously
returned medication/ out of date stock. The participating Pharmacist were asked to keep
a record of medicines that were returned and reason for the returns, this was the data
which was analysed
To further encourage patients to return medications, bags were prepared with an
identifying logo; the contents of this bag also contained a leaflet (contained relevant
telephone numbers of agencies that provide information and advice on medication and
support) and the booklet' Knowledge is the Best Medicine' (IPHA). Due to the local
nature of the initial pilot advertisement was kept to a minimum, a poster for display in the
pharmacy and both statutory and voluntary local agencies informed.
RESULTS
On analysis of the data 32 BNF classification of drugs were returned, some are obviously
not as suitable for means in suicide and para-suicide as others i.e. Topical corticosteroids
versus cardiovascular compounds.
Items returned
Drug Classes in which 9 or more items were
returned
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Pharmacy F
Pharmacy E
Pharmacy D
Pharmacy C
Pharmacy B
Pharmacy A
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
10 11 12 17 18
Drug Classification
25
This shows the classifications of medicines of which 9 or more of the same class were
returned. That is not individual quantities but rather total monthly prescribed aliquots.
It is clear that Class 1 cardiovascular (16.2%), Class 6 (Non-opioid analgesics, 11.2%),
Class 11 (OTC supplements, 12.6%) and Class 17 (Antibacterial agents, 13.3%) are the
items that are of the highest returns accounting for a total of 53.3% of all returns. In this
it is apparent that there was a high rate of returns of benzodiazepines (5.2%), atypical
anti-psychotics (2.9%), which are number 7 and 18 respectively. Quantitatively there
appeared to be a greater return of medication from pharmacies in a rural setting than
those in an urban/suburban setting, with the former accounting for approx 2/3 of the total
amount (108kg) of medication returned. This may be attributed to a number of factors,
the lack of other community pharmacies in the rural vicinity and also the closeness of the
community i.e. in one location there was an announcement at the church of the scheme at
all masses.
Drugs which were returned and are grouped according to the
WHO ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural
Disorders
Quantity returned
30
25
X60
X61
X62
20
15
10
5
F
Ph
ar
m
ac
y
E
ac
y
D
Ph
ar
m
ac
y
Ph
ar
m
ac
y
C
B
Ph
ar
m
ac
y
Ph
ar
m
Ph
ar
m
ac
y
A
0
X60 – Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to non-opioid analgesics, antipyretics
and antirheumatics.
X61 – Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to antiepileptic, sedative, hypnotic,
antiparkinsonian, and psychotropic drugs, not elsewhere classified includes,
antidepressants, barbiturates, neuroleptics, psychostimulants.
X62 - Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to narcotics and psychodysleptics
includes cannabis, cocaine, codeine, heroin, LSD, mescaline, methadone, morphine,
opium
On analysis of the data using WHO ICD 10 classification of drugs that are used in parasuicide and suicide, X60, X61 and X62 accounting for 14%, !3% and 4% of returns
respectively. This appears to follow the drug category of choice for attempted suicide in
five Health Boards in Ireland according to the NPSR 2001, with X62 being the least used
drug as seen in this data. Although the trend has no statistically provability it is hoped
that with the analysis of returns from Sept 03 to Sept 04 that a greater correlation is seen,
26
which in turn may further demonstrate a reduction in the numbers attending A&E owing
to these drugs
Qualitatively on analysis of the reasons for returns of the medication, over 70 % of
returns were ‘Not required or unwanted’, this was seen to included some of the following
reasons, prescription change and allergy type response. The remainder was due to the
medication going out of date (22.5%) and due to the death of the patient (6.7%). It would
be anticipated that in the future the recordings for this would be more streamlined in the
sense that the pharmacist recording would be given options rather than interpreting
reasons themselves.
A further aspect of the results was analyzing the cost of these returns of medication, at
cost price it was estimated that it was €6886.25 over the six week pilot phase. However
it should be noted that this does not include the cost of the fees to the health professionals
or any other hidden costs e.g. hospital time, patient time, A &E visits.
RECOMMENDATIONS
 Extension of the service to all community pharmacies in the HSE (SWA)
 Increase communication and links within the Primary care structure
 Patient empowerment by provision of more information on medicines
 Improve the pharmaceutical care of patients, by promoting and discussing
medicine management
Reference:
National Para suicide Registry Ireland, Annual report, 2001. National Suicide Research
Foundation
Report of the National Task Force on Suicide, 1998. Department of Health and Children.
Suicide in Ireland . A National Study, 2001. Department of Public Health on Behalf of
the Chief Executive Officers of the Health Boards
Schiliro T, Pignata C, Fea E, Gilli G, Toxicity and Estrogenic Activity of a wastewater
treatment plant in Northern Italy, Archives of Environmental Contamination and
Toxicology, 2004; 47: 456-462
O’Driscoll D, Brogan, Presentation to the ‘10th European Symposium on Suicidal
Behaviour- Research, Prevention, Treatment and Hope’, Copenhagen 25-28 August 2004
Ms. Catherine Brogan, Suicide resource office, 3rd Floor, Health Promotion Department, 52 Broomhill
Road, Tallagh, Dublin 24. catherine.brogan@swahb.ie
Mr. Denis O’ Driscoll, Bridge House, Cherry Orchard Hospital, Dublin 10. Telephone: 01 6206437
THE SPEAKERS.
27
CHRISTY KENNEALLY
Christy was born in Cork and has worked in the area of communications for nearly 30
years. He has lectured throughout the world for many organisations including the
American Cancer Foundation. Christy was the presenter of ‘No Frontiers’. He has
recently filmed a series of documentaries for TG4 which took him to thirteen different
countries. He starts filming again around the world in October. Christy is author of ten
books including Life after Loss.
CARLA FINE
Carla is the author of No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One
(Broadway Books/Doubleday). This widely acclaimed book is a personal story—Carla’s
husband, a prominent New York physician, killed himself in 1989 at the age of 43. Carla
also interviewed more than 60 other people who lost sons and daughters, wives and
husbands, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, friends and relatives to suicide. The
book describes the different stages of bereavement surrounding the suicide of a loved
one, and helps survivors see that they are not alone in their confusion and grief. Carla
is the author or coauthor of seven other books. She also lectures extensively to suicide
survivors' groups and professional organizations throughout North America, and has
appeared on numerous television and radio programs. Carla received her Masters of
Science degree with honors from the Columbia University Graduate School of
Journalism. Carla lives in New York City with her husband, Allen Oster, and their two
Labrador Retrievers, Sancho and Rosie. Her website is www.carlafine.com
TONY BYRNE
Tony is a Spiritan (Holy Ghost) Priest who worked in Africa, West Indies and Asia on
community awareness programmes for 35 years. Since his return to Ireland he has
organised courses and seminars on Facing up to Suicide, Confronting Bullying, Harmony
in the Home, and Facing up to Alcohol Misuse. He has studied social policy, industrial
relations, and community education at Swansea University, Boston College, and St.
Mary’s University in Baltimore, USA. Tony has written several books, on bullying,
justice/peace, development, structural evaluations, and the Airlift to Biafra. He has
written extensively on suicide in Irish newspapers and has appeared on TV and radio
programmes dealing with suicide and bullying. He is currently the Director of the
Awareness Education Office.
KATHLEEN MAGUIRE
Kathleen is a Presentation Sister. She directed education, pastoral and social programmes
in Pakistan and India for twenty years. On her return to Ireland taught in Mullingar
Community College and was Home/College Liaison. Kathleen initiated bereavement
support training and facilitated community and pastoral programmes in Mullingar parish.
28
She is currently facilitator of awareness education programmes on Facing up to Suicide,
Harmony in the home, Confronting Bullying and Facing up to Alcohol Misuse. Kathleen
co-authored, with Rev Dr. Tony Byrne, a book on Bullying in the Workplace, Home and
School: Questions and Answers
ADRIAN HILL
Adrian is Executive Director of the Legal Profession Assistance Conference of the
Canadian Bar Association. Adrian is a Peer Volunteer and Clinical Supervisor of the
Ontario Bar Assistance Program, Treasurer of the Canadian Association for Suicide
Prevention, a member of the American Association of Suicidology, and an Advisory
Board Member to the Ontario Suicide Prevention Network. Adrian has been the recipient
of the American Bar Association Service Award and the Law Society Medal in Ontario.
He practiced law for over thirty years as senior counsel and managing partner of a
Toronto law firm. Adrian is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Addiction Counsellor in
Canada, a Certified Gambling Counsellor in the United States and a Professor of
Addiction Medicine.
TOM BYRNE
Tom has responsibility at Regional Manager level for services for Mental Health and
Older people including the Regional Suicide Prevention Programme, Physical Sensory
and Intellectual Disabilities and Regional Developments.
ANNETTE BEAUTRAIS
Annette is the Principal Investigator with the Canterbury Suicide Project at the
Christchurch School of Medicine in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Canterbury Suicide
Project consists of a series of studies of suicidal behaviour. Major research studies
include a case control study of suicide and serious attempted suicide; a five -year followup study of people who have made serious suicide attempts; a study of the impact of
suicide on close family members. Annette has written a number of research articles,
reviews and reports about various aspects of suicidal behaviour, and has contributed to
the development of a series of guidelines for professional groups regarding suicide
recognition , treatment and management. She was involved in the development of New
Zealand’s National Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy, and is an advisor to several
international suicide research and prevention centres.
MAILA UPANNE
Maila is Development Manager with the National Research and Development Centre for
Welfare and Health in Helsinki; she was leader of the Finnish Suicide Prevention Project
29
1992 -1996. Maila is responsible for the development and implementation of the Suicide
Prevention Strategy in Finland.
JOHN CONNOLLY
John is a co-founder and secretary of the Irish Association of Suicidology. He is
currently working as a Consultant Psychiatrist/Clinical Director of the Mayo Psychiatric
Services. He qualified in Cork and worked for a time in Bantry. He trained as a
psychiatrist in England and worked there as a consultant before returning to Mayo in
1979 to take up his present post. John is a fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
His main research interest is in suicide and he has published a number of articles on
trends in suicide rates, underreporting of suicide and media reporting of suicide. He is
Chairman of the Mayo Mental Health Association Ltd., a Director of Mental Health
Ireland and a member of the National Suicide Review Group. John is Co-editor in Chief
of CRISIS the international journal of Suicide Prevention and Crisis intervention. He is
also Proprietor and Managing Director of the Connaught Telegraph Newspaper
TONY BATES
Tony is a principal clinical psychologist at St James’s Hospital Dublin and
Lecturer/Course Director (M.Sc. Cognitive Psychotherapy) in the Department of
Psychiatry TCD. He received his PhD from University College Dublin and did further
post qualification training at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of
Oxford. He is author of Depression: A Common Sense Approach (Newleaf) and is a
columnist with the Irish Times. Tony has been committed to disseminating psychology
to the general public and working towards the provision of a more holistic and
therapeutic approach in mental health. He is a member of the Mental Health Expert
Group and involved in the preparation of a broad policy framework intended to advice
the minister in respect to developing mental health services in this country
SHEILA DALTON
Kilkenny-born Sheila has been a volunteer a nd support group facilitator with Aware
for14 years. A qualified psychiatric nurse, she worked with Carlow-Kilkenny Mental
Health Services in many capacities for 36 years until her retirement in 2003. a director of
Kilkenny Mental Health Association, she is also a member of Kilkenny Bereavement
Support Group and is involved with their on-going training.
KAHLIL THOMPSON
Kahlil Thompson is the Projects Officer for Schizophrenia Ireland and project manager
for the “Life Hope: Suicide Prevention through Information and Counselling” project.
30
The Life Hope project aims to discuss the problem of suicide, particularly for people with
schizophrenia and related illnesses, and how to become proactive about suicide
prevention. Prior to joining Schizophrenia Ireland, Kahlil worked with the United
Nations in Vienna, Austria, where she held the posts of analyst, specialist, and Junior
Political Officer.
MIKE WATTS
As a young man I experienced many years of despair. Over the years that despair has
been replaced by a growing belief in the value of life and of people. Much of that change
has come about through my 25 year involvement in GROW, but also included studying
for a BA in psychology and Masters in family therapy. I am married with four children
and three grandchildren.
TERESA MASON
Teresa works as Resource Officer for suicide prevention in North Dublin for the Northern
Area Health Board. She has worked with the issue of suicide for five years. Prior to this
she was employed as a Senior Occupational Therapist in the adult mental health services
in Dublin. Teresa is a trainee Group Analyst.
CHAIRPERSONS
MARY HUTCHINSON
Mary has been a Director on the Board of the Irish Association of Suicidology since
2001. Born in Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, Mary holds a BSC (Hons) degree in Social
Policy and Administration from the University of Ulster. Mary is currently completing
her doctoral thesis on the contribution of the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland to the
promotion of children’s rights, particularly within the field of youth justice. Having lost
her eldest son to suicide in 1996, Mary has a special interest in the needs and experiences
of the bereaved by suicide and the support systems available to them.
MARGARET HAYES
Margaret who comes from Tara, Co. Meath married the late Jim in 1957. They had five
children, three girls and two boys. Their eldest child, Gerard, took his life in 1983, aged
24 years. Since his death Margaret helps, on a voluntary basis, those who have been
bereaved by suicide. She has taken part in many T.V. and Radio programmes dealing
with the topic of suicide and is delighted to participate in today’s events.
31
MICHAEL FITZGERALD
Michael qualified in medicine in University College Galway in 1979. He did his training
in Psychiatry in the Maudsley Hospital and in Kings College Hospital London. He
obtained an M.D. from Trinity College Dublin in 1996. He is a consultant psychiatrist
for the National Children’s Hospital Dublin, Our Lady’s hospital for Sick children Dublin
and the Southern Area Health Board. In 1996 he became Henry Marsh Professor of
Child Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin. Michael is a Fellow of the Royal College of
Psychiatrists and plays an active part on the specialist sections of that organisation. He
has a special interest in Autism and Asperger’s syndrome and is research consultant for
the Irish Association for Autism. He is the first and only Psychoanalyst practicing in the
Republic of Ireland recognised by the international Psychoanalytic Association. He is an
accomplished teacher in all aspects of his chosen speciality. Michael has set up
numerous training courses in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. He has founded two
journals and has published over 300 scientific articles and letters and edited a number of
books. He is on the editorial board of several international journals. Michael became
chairman of the Irish Association of Suicidology in 2002.
GEOFF DAY
Geoff is Assistant Chief Executive of the North Eastern Health Board in the Republic of
Ireland. He is responsible for the management of community care, primary care, mental
health, the ambulance service and health promotion. Prior to 1997, Geoff worked in the
National Health Service in England, where he was firstly a service planner for elderly
services and then performance manager in the NHS Reforms programme of the early
1990’s. A social working by training, Geoff moved into health management in the mid
1980’s. He is currently chair of the National Suicide Review Group in Ireland, the
national body which oversees the implementation of the recommendations set out in the
Task Force Report on Suicide, published in 1998.
PATRICIA NOONE
A graduate of N.U.I. Galway, Patricia’s Graduate Training in Psychiatry was at the
University of Toronto and The Clarke Institute where she was Chief Resident to
Professor Robin Hunter and subsequently became a Consultant Psychiatrist on the staff of
the Institute where she undertook further studies in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
Patricia’s research into Death, Dying and its effect on Nursing Staff was at Toronto’s
Princess Margaret Hospital. She returned to Ireland and has been a Consultant
Psychiatrist in the Mayo, Psychiatric Services for several years.
FRANK MURPHY
32
Frank is Regio Alcoholics Anonymous nal Manager with Mental Health & Older People
Services, Western Health Board.
SUPPORT AGENCIES
33
Aware
AWARE is a voluntary organisation formed in 1985 by a
group of interested patients, relatives and mental health
professionals. To provide support group meetings for
sufferers of depression and manic depression and their
families.
AWARE
72 Lower Leeson St., Dublin 2
Tel: +353 1 6617211. Fax: +353 1 6617217
Callsave: 1890303302. E-mail: info@aware.ie
www.aware.ie
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA is a self-help programme for people who may have a
problem with alcohol. Group meetings are held in most
towns throughout the country.
Tel: 048 90 774879 N.I.
Tel: +353 1 4538998 E-mail: ala@indigo.ie
www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie
Al Anon
A fellowship of young people whose lives have been or are being
affected by parent’s compulsive drinking
Al Anon Information Centre, Room 5, 5 Chapel
St., Dublin 1.
Tel: +353 1 8732699. Helpline +353 1 8732699
Association for Psychiatric Study of Adolescents
Brings together those concerned with the psychiatric care of
adolescents.
Evelyn Gordan, c/o St. Joseph’s Adolescent
Unit,
Richmond Rd., Fairview, Dublin 3.
Tel:+353 1 8370802
Bodywhys -
Bodywhys is a charity which offers help, support, understanding
and information to people with anorexia or bulimia nervosa to
families and friends and to professionals involved in the treatment
of eating disorders
Bodywhys Central Office, PO Box 105
34
Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Tel: +353 1 2834963. info@bodywhys.ie
Bullying
A.B.C. Anti Bullying Research and Resource Unit.
Advice, guidance and counselling for all who need help and
support in relation to bullying.
Room 3125, Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2.
Tel: +353 1 6082573 Fax:+353 1 6082573/6777238
e-mail: imcguire@tcd.ie
Campaign Against Bullying.
Aims to reduce the incidence of, and minimise the ill-effects
of bullying
72 Lakelands Avenue, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin
Tel:+353 1 2887976
E-mail: odonnllb@indigo.ie
Child Bereavement (Ni)
Tel: 048 90 403000
Cruse Bereavement Care (Ni)
(Regional Headquarters)
Tel: 048 90 792419
Cumas - Supporting families around drugs
The Old Supermarket,
Neilstown Shopping Centre,
Clondalkin, Dublin 22
Tel: 01 4573515. Fax: 01 4573122
e-mail: cumas@indigo.ie
Drug Treatment Centre Board
Provides services for drug misusers. Treatment is free of
.
charge. Offers advisory service to medical profession,
parents, young people and teachers.
Trinity Court, 30-31 Pearse Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: +353 1 6771122
Foyle Search &
Foyle Search & Rescues main aim is the preservation of life
35
Rescue
in and around the river Foyle. It is made up of volunteers
that patrol the banks of the river
Tel: 01 504 313800
foylesearch@foylesearch.demon.co.uk
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is self-help for people who may have
a problem with gambling.
Tel: 048 71 351329 N.I.
Tel: 048 90 249185 N.I.
Tel: +353 1 8721133
www.gamblersanonymous.ie
Grow
GROW aims to help the individual grow towards personal
maturity by use of their own personal resources, through
mutual help groups in a caring and sharing community. The
programme is based on providing a supportive environment
for its group members.
GROW
National Office, Grow Centre,
11 Liberty Street, Cork
Tel: +353 21 277520
Irish Association For Counselling And Therapy
Offers courses in personal development and self-esteem.
Provides counselling services for alcohol and drug abuse,
and bereavement.
8 cumberland Street, Dun Laoghaire, co.
Dublin.
Tel: +353 1 8370802
Irish Stammering Association
Aims: to improve service provision for children and adults;
set up local self-help groups throughout the country; arrange
intensive stammer courses for adults; research the causes of
stammering.
Carmichael House, North Brunswick St.,
Dublin 7.
Tel: +353 1 8724405. Fax: +353 1 8735737
36
Helpline +353 1 8735702
Legal Aid Board
The Legal Aid Board provides legal aid and advice in civil
cases to persons who satisfy the requirements of the Civil
Legal Aid Act. 1995. The Board makes the services of
Solicitors and if necessary Barristers available to people of
moderate means at little cost. The service includes anything
from writing a solicitors letter on your behalf to representing
you in court. In practice the Board deals mainly with family
law.
Legal Aid Department
Tel: 048 90 246441 N.I.
Tel: +353 669471000
Mental Health Ireland
The Mental Health Ireland is a national voluntary
organisation with over 99 local association and branches
throughout the country. Its aim is twofold - to help those
who are mentally ill and to promote positive mental health.
Tel: 01 2841166
www.mentalhealthireland.ie
e-mail info@menalhealthireland.ie
Nar-Anon
Nar-Anon is a self-help group for relatives and friends of
people who may have a problem with drugs.
Tel: +353 1 8748431
Narcotics Anonymous
NA is a self-help group for people who feel they may have a
problem with drugs.
4-5 Eustace St., Dublin 2
Tel: +353 1 8300944 ext. 486
National Youth Council of Ireland
The NYCI is the representative body for voluntary youth
organisations.
3, Montague St., Dublin 2.
Tel: +353 1 4784122
Fax: +353 1 4783974
E-mail: info@nyci.ie
37
National Youth Federation
The National Youth Federation (NYF) is Ireland’s largest
youthwork organisation. The NYF has published research
on young people and suicide, produced guidelines for youth
workers on prevention and postvention work and provides
workshops on the use of the guidelines.
Tel: +353 1 8729933
e-mail fbissett@nyf.ie
Northern Ireland Mental Health Association
Tel: 028 90 328474
Overeaters Anonymous
The only requirement for overeaters anonymous membership
is a desire to stop eating compulsively
Tel: (01) 2788106
Prism – Bereaved And Separated Parents.
A programme specially designed for bereaved and separated
parents. It helps them to become attuned to their own and
their child’s grief process and to learn single parenting skills
so they can recreate family life again.
Oanda, The Association for Phobias in Ireland
OANDA was set in 1974 as the National Organisation for
sufferers of Agoraphobia.
OANDA,
140 St. Lawrence’s Road, Clontarf,
Dublin 3.
Tel: +353 1 8338252/3
Psychological Services, Department of Education and Science
Psychological support service for Post Primary Schools &
Colleges
Marlborough St., Dublin 1.
Tel: +353 1 8892700
Rainbows Ireland
38
Rainbows is a support group programme for children and
young adults who have suffered a significant loss through
death or separation or any painful transition.
Tel: 01 4734175
Recovery Incorporated
Offers self-help mental health programme for people
suffering form anxiety, phobias, depression and nervous
symptoms.
Tel: +353 1 6260775
E-mail: recovirl@indigo.ie
Samaritans
The Samaritans vision is that fewer people will take their
own lives. Samaritans befriending is available at any hour
of the day or night for everyone passing through personal
crisis and at risk of dying by suicide. Samaritans provide
society with a better understanding of suicide, suicidal
behaviour and the value of expressing feelings that may lead
to suicide.
Linkline
Tel: 0345 909090 N.I.
Tel: 1 850 60 90 90 `
Schizophrenia Ireland
Schizophrenia Ireland is the national organisation dedicated
to advocating the rights and needs of those affected by
schizophrenia and related illnesses, and to promoting and
providing best quality services for the people it serves
Schizophrenia Ireland
38 Blessington St, Dublin 7.
Tel: +353 1 860 1602. Fax; +353 1 8601602
Helpline: 1890 621 631
http://www.iol.ie/lucia
Email: schizi@iol.ie
39
SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT
SUPPORT GROUPS
40
CARLOW:
CARLOW SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Dr. O’Brien Centre, Dublin Rd, Co. Carlow. Tel: 059 9151277
CORK/KERRY:
HEALTH SEVICE EXECUTIVE
SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERVICE 087 7986944
CORK:
COMMUNITY CENTRE
Fermoy, Co. Cork, Co-ordinator , Sr. Una Boland
YOUGHAL SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPOR GROUP
League of the Cross Hall, Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork
Tel: 024 95561, E-Mail:nsbsn@eircom.net
DUBLIN:
THE BEREAVEMENT COUNSELLING SERVICE
Dublin St., Baldoyle, Dublin 13, Tel: 01 8391766
St. Annes Church, Dawson St, Tel: 01 6767727
bereavement@eircom.net, www.bereavementireland.org
NORTHSIDE COUNSELLING CENTRE
Coolock Development Centre,, Bunratty Drive , Bonnybrook, Dublin 17
Tel: 01 8484789, ncsl@eircom.net
SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Blessed Sacrament Chapel, 20, Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1. Tel: 01
8724597
TALLAGH SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Tallagh Hospital, Dublin 24. Tel: 01 4142482,
kathleen.oconnor@amnch.ie
CONSOLE
Bereaved by Suicide Foundation
All Hallows College, Grave Park Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
Help Line, Free Phone:1800 201 890
Tel: 01 8574300, Fax: 01 8574310
e-mail: info@console.ie
www.suicidebereaved.com, www.console.ie
DÓCHAS
The Oratory, Blanchardstown Centre, (Yellow Entrance)
Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Tel: 01 8200915, 086 8090633,
www.dochas.info
DÓCHAS
Ballymun Health Centre, Dublin 11. Tel: 086 8569283
41
DÓCHAS
Balydoyle Family Resource Service. Tel: 086 1714839
SÓLÁS:
BEREAVMENT COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN
Barnardos, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8
Helpline: 4732110, Callsave: 1850 22 23 00
Tel: 01 453 0355, Fax: 01 453 0300, E-Mail: solas@barnardos.ie
KILDARE NORTH
TURAS LE CHILE:
Carmel, Tel: 01 6287640, 01 6287602
KILKENNY:
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
27, Riverview, Kilkenny., Mr. Padraig Morrow, Tel: 056 626421
KERRY:
KENMARE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
C/O The Presbytery, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. Tel: 064 41222, 086 814
5856
KILDARE SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Parish Centre, Church of Irish Martyrs, Ballycain, Naas, Co. Kildare.
Tel: 045 895629
LAOISE:
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE
Bridge St., Portlaoise, Co. Laoise
Co-ordinator – Ann Cass, Tel: 086 8157320
Fax: 0506 46747, E-Mail: william.bland@mhb.ie
LONGFORD:
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE
Dublin Road, Co. Longford, Co-ordinator – Ann Howard.
OFFALY:
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE
Wilmer Rd., Birr, Co. Offaly. Co-ordinator -Claire Hernon
CLOGHAN HOUSE
Arden Rd., Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
Co-ordinator – Sr. Gerard McCarthy
ROSCOMMON:
BOYLE SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Family Life Centre, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Mr. Brian Conlon, Tel: 071 9663000, info@familylifecentre.ie
Suicide Bereavement Healing Programme
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GALWAY.
TUAM DAY HOSPITAL
Venue: Tuam Day Hospital, Hermitage Court, Dublin Rd, Tuam, Co.
Galway.
Contact: Ms. Marie MulryanTel: 093 25052/24695
Venue: Arus de Bruin, Newtownsmith, Galway
Contact: Christine 091 565066 (office hours)
Sr. Marguerite Buckley, Tel: 087 6405239
EAST
GALWAY/ROSCOMMON
Venue: Health Centre, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
Contact: Social Work Department, Portiuncula Hospital.
Tel: 090 96 48306
BOYLE
Venue: Family life Centre, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Contact: Brian Conlon, Tel: 071 96 63000
CASTLEBAR
Venue: Family Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Contact: Peter 094 90 25900
FAMILY CENTRE
Vita House Family Centre, Abbey St.,
Roscommon
Sr. Mary Lee
Tel: 0903 25898
vitahouse@eircom.net
www.vitahouse.org
TYRONE:
PATHS, POSTGRADUATE CENTRE
Postgraduate Centre, Tyrone County Hospital, Omagh, Co. Tyrone.
Tel: (028)82833100
WESTMEATH
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE
Grace Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Co-ordinator – Bernadette
Burke
HEALTH CENTRE
District Hospital, Athlone, Co. Westmeath,
Co-ordinator – Bernadette Sheriff.
WEXFORD:
H.O.P.E. SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Community Health Centre, Summerhill, Co. Wexford. Tel: 053 23899
WATERFORD:
CAIRDEAS
Tel:1 850 201249
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WICKLOW:
SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
Holy Redeemer Parish Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
Sr. Sheila O’Kelly, Tel: 01 2868413
Meetings held 1st Monday of every month, Royal Hotel, Main St, Bray
8.00pm -10.00pm
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Board Members of the
Irish Association of Suicidology
President.
Mr. Dan Neville, T.D.
Dail Eireann
Chairperson
Professor Michael Fitzgerald
Consultant Psychiatrist
Secretary
Dr. John F. Connolly
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Justin Brophy
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Anne Cleary
Sociologist
Mr. Michael Fahy
‘Solace’ Suicide Support Group
Dr. Tom Foster
Consultant Psychiatrist
Mrs. Mary Hutchinson
Student N.I.
Ms. Eileen Jones
The Samaritans
Prof. Kevin Malone
Consultant Psychiatrist
Prof. R.J. McClelland
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Mr Barry McGale
Suicide Awareness Co-ordinator
Mr. Jack McLachlan
Samaritans N.I.
Mr. Dan Thompson CBE
Coroner for South Down
Ms. Eileen Williamson
National Suicide Research Foundation
Executive Officer – Ms. Josephine Scott
Clerical Assistant – Ms. Angela Coleman
Conference Objectives.
This conference will illustrate

That suicide is a complex multifaceted problem.

Suicide prevention needs a multidimensional response.

Suicide prevention is everybody’s business and each of us has a part to play in
translating a Suicide Prevention Strategy into action.
This conference has CME and CPD approval.
Sponsors
This conference is part sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
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