Bereavement Support

Meetings held on the first Thursday night of each month in the Blue Devon [Martina Devaneys - Restaurent] , Main Street, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim at 8.00pm. For further enquiries contact Mary at any of the above.

All core group S.T.O.P. co-founders, i.e. Sean, Carmel, Cait, John & Mary have completed ASIST (applied suicide, intervention, skills training) and “Living Links” training. They have completed various other counselling skills training and other relevant training which is ongoing.

S.T.O.P. hopes to attain their own premises in Dromahair, Co Leitrim, and is presently negotiating for accommodation in the new Health Centre in Dromahair (which is to be built).

S.T.O.P. continually raises public awareness about suicide issues through the local media and nationally when opportunities arise.

S.T.O.P. is currently appealing the recent National Health & Safety Executive decision not to include ASIST training as mandatory part of Health & Safety training in the workplace and have written to An Taoiseach Mr Brian Cowan TD, Minister for Health, Ms. Mary Harney TD and various TD’s and Representatives of each political party in Dail Eireann.

S.T.O.P. believes that as a community and society we must have accessible, affordable, friendly 24-hour help system in place. Suicides don’t just occur in the 9 to 5 shift scenario.

That we must have trained personnel in Secondary schools who are able to detect those with poor coping (skills) mechanisms, low self esteem, signs and symptoms of depression and general vulnerability. We must teach our children emotional well-being, problem solving and life coping skills as well as formal education.

That it is imperative for all of us to dispel stigma - suicide was decriminalised in 1993. We must also dispel the stigma around mental health issues. We must encourage our young people to talk - that its “ok” to have a mental health issue.
We must also listen to them – to what they are saying and what they are not saying.
An integrated approach from health education to politics, religion, the law, the media and society at large must be found.

• That an effective follow up policy is in place and monitored in every A&E department in the country for those who have self harmed and that this service is maintained.
• That social workers and relevant professionals are available 24/7 for those in crisis.
• That the workforce is afforded the opportunity of having ASIST (Applied, Suicide, Intervention Skills Training) training implemented as part of Health & Safety in the workplace.
• That we lobby for high profile media campaigns on suicide and mental health issues on par with Road Safety Authorities “Drink Driving/Speeding” campaigns. (which are also very necessary)