Suicide prevention is an issue that reaches into every town, village and community across Ireland and cannot be viewed solely as a health matter, the Leas Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council has said.
Cllr Shane McGuinness was speaking at the launch of CommUnity Connect: Together for Hope, a new positive mental health initiative held at the Monasterboice Inn to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
The event, organised by Healthy Louth in partnership with Healthy Meath, brought together more than 40 support organisations and service providers from across County Louth, creating a one-stop hub where members of the public could learn about the range of mental health, wellbeing and community supports available locally.
The event was hosted by former Irish Olympic silver-medallist boxer Kenneth Egan, who now works in the fields of psychotherapy, mental health, addiction recovery and personal development.
Speakers included Patrice Matthews, ambassador and volunteer with SAFE Castlebellingham; Derek Pepper, team leader with Shine, which provides mental health recovery services across the North East; and Joanne O’Dwyer, author, psychotherapist and manager of Meath Community Drug and Alcohol Response.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Shane McGuinness, Leas Cathaoirleach, Louth County Council, said: “Today is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to reflect on a subject that affects every town, village, workplace, sports club, school and family in Ireland. Suicide prevention is not solely a health issue; it is a community issue, and events like this can help break down stigma and create pathways for others to seek support when they need it.”
Rachel Finegan, Healthy Louth Coordinator, Louth County Council, said: “A key objective of CommUnity Connect is to make people aware that support is available and that they do not have to face difficult times alone. By bringing services, community groups and local people together in one place, we can strengthen connections, encourage conversations and help ensure that individuals know where to turn when they need support.”
Rosaleen Dolan, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention in Louth and Meath, said: “One of the most powerful aspects of today’s event was hearing the personal stories and experiences shared by our speakers. Their honesty, resilience and willingness to speak openly about mental health and recovery can inspire others to reach out for support, start conversations and know that they are not alone. Every story shared helps to break down stigma and build a more supportive community.”
David Conway, Chief Executive, Louth County Council, said: “Louth County Council recognises the vital role we play in supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities. While councils may traditionally be associated with roads, housing, planning and infrastructure, our role extends far beyond bricks and mortar. We are also builders of communities, places where people live, work, learn, connect and thrive. That is why we are proud to support initiatives that promote mental health, social inclusion, community participation and overall wellbeing.”
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the World Health Organisation. Observed annually on 10 September, it aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage action to prevent suicide.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme