Fine Gael "Talk" Campaign on Suicide Awareness

Last May Young Fine Gael launched a suicide awareness campaign called "TALK" and throughout the summer the campaign has been rolled out across the country. The campaign was launched as worrying figures shows that in the time it takes to watch the first half of a football match there is another documented case of attempted suicide in Ireland. 1015 young people under-35 died by suicide in the five years between 1999 and 2003 making suicide the greatest and most tragic killer in this age group. And further to this in recent weeks new figures from the Central Statistic Office (CSO) show an increase in the number of people committing suicide in Ireland. 457 people took their own life in 2004 compared to 444 in 2003. Young Fine Gael is calling on the Minister for Health Mary Harney, and her Minister of State Tim O'Malley to take much needed action in the area of suicide research and prevention.

The increasing numbers of attempted suicides and deliberate self-harm are alarming and simply unacceptable. There were 11,204 cases of attempted suicide in 2003 alone. Young Fine Gael is calling for the provision of a tracking and long term support service for those who have attempted suicide or self harm. A proactive nationwide campaign addressing the stigma and taboo relating to the issue of life problems, mental illness, depression and suicide is also required. This will encourage young people to seek help and advice.

Since 1997, the Department of Health's mental health budget has been reduced from 11% of overall spend to 6.9% in 2005. The National Task Force on Suicide's recommendations have not been implemented and there is no national State help line to assist those feeling suicidal."

As part of the campaign on campus YFG will be distributing turquoise wristbands which have the word "TALK" engraved on them as well as information leaflets with contact numbers for help lines such as AWARE IRELAND, in which any proceeds made throughout the campaign have been going to. Throughout the summer the GAA have endorsed the campaign with the Dublin, Mayo, Galway and Laois football teams all wearing the wristbands during their matches. YFG also took part in a fundraising walk ("Walk for Talk") from Galway to Limerick with all proceeds going to AWARE - a voluntary organisation that offers help an support to those coping with depression.

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