Welcome to S.T.O.P. (Suicide, Teach, Organise, Prevent)

S.T.O.P. is a registered charity (Reg No 436581) assisting and supporting individuals who feel suicidal, are in distress or those who have been bereaved by suicide.

S.T.O.P. also promotes positive mental health and related issues by visiting (when requested) schools, communities and organisations throughout Ireland.

S.T.O.P. was formed in the aftermath of losing 3 young men to suicide in North Leitrim. Sean & Carmel Fallon lost their son Kevin to suicide in May 2004, Cait Kerins lost her brother Pat in November 2000 and John & Mary McTernan lost their only son Garry to suicide in January 2004.
The three families came together to highlight the issue of suicide, dispel the stigma and put in place something for the bereaved.

In February 2005, S.T.O.P. held a conference in Dromahair, Co. Leitrim - “Suicide prevention and awareness”. 800 people from all over Ireland attended – mostly bereaved by suicide. A memorable feature of that day was when a middle aged man stood up and for the first time in his life, acknowledged that his twin brother had taken his own life 23 years previously.

The conference was opened by Dromahair’s own Tommie Gorman (RTE News Correspondent) and guest speakers included Garreth O’Callaghan (2FM), Dr. John Connolly (Sec. I.A.S.), Rev. Fr. Tony Byrne and Sr. Kathleen Maguire.

In the aftermath of the conference, S.T.O.P. set up the suicide bereavement group. The group meets monthly (venue and time will be given later) and any one bereaved by suicide or affected by suicide is welcome to attend.
The group is made up of people who are directly and personally affected by suicide and is run by their members. There are also 2 facilitators present.
Presently individuals from counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan Longford and Northern Ireland attend.
Since our inception, S.T.O.P. has received scores of crisis calls (mostly from young males). We listen, allow them to talk and gently guide them towards the relevant professional help. (Sometimes all they need is just for someone to listen)

When an individual’s need is identified S.T.O.P. makes regular referrals to a consultant psychiatrist, a family life centre for counselling and to local GP’s. Referrals are also often made to other agencies such as Aware etc.

Where an individual or family is unable to afford the necessary counselling fees, S.T.O.P. will cover the fees and everything is totally confidential.
S.T.O.P. (when) requested, travel all over Ireland to schools, colleges and communities to speak on suicide and mental health issues.

• S.T.O.P. endeavours to “minimise the distress felt by families, friends and in the community following a death by suicide and ensures that individuals are not isolated or in crisis so that the risk of suicidal activity is reduced.
• Provides bereavement support through suicide bereavement group meetings and social supports

Funding

Adequate funding must be provided for suicide prevention, otherwise we cannot be effective. S.T.O.P. will continue to lobby for regular funding for voluntary groups such as S.T.O.P.

We acknowledge funding last year and 3,000 euro funding this year from the HSE but we are aware of the fact that we will receive no further funding from the HSE – we will have to apply (with other groups) to the N.O.S.P. next year. We can only hope and pray that we will get a positive response and funding!

We greatly acknowledge all the groups, individuals, clubs, organisations and agencies that consistently fund raise for S.T.O.P. You people are our anchors and we appreciate you and your kindness.