Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
735. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will consider conducting a public information campaign aimed at suicide awareness, similar to the Road Safety Authority's safety campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30469/15]
View answerSuicide is a tragedy that we are constantly working to prevent and also working to give more support to the families affected. Dealing with the current high levels of suicide and deliberate self harm continues to be a priority for this Government. The HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) has developed a range of initiatives designed to support people who are suicidal and also supporting their families, friends and peers in recognising and responding appropriately to signs of emotional distress and suicidal thoughts.
A key part of the work of the NOSP is to create an awareness within the community of positive mental health and suicide prevention. In recent years, the NOSP has run a number of national media campaigns and has also sponsored non-statutory partners in their health promotion work. The major NOSP campaigns include ‘Your Mental Health’ and ‘Let Someone Know’ . It also funded campaigns targeted at specific groups within the community e.g. the farming community through Farm TV. These programmes have been well evaluated in terms of impact. The focus of these national campaigns is to assist the individual to understand the importance of looking after their mental health and to seek help at times of stress.
In October 2014, the NOSP in collaboration with over 25 partner organisations launched a new mental health awareness campaign entitled ‘Little Things’. The campaign features real people sharing their real stories, told through animated films and radio messages. The ads are supported by a range of print and online illustrations of the #littlethings that are proven to protect and recover good mental health and wellbeing. The campaign has been developed in conjunction with mental health experts to highlight evidence-based advice for how little things can improve our mental health and wellbeing. It is designed to answer two very fundamental questions in relation to mental health: What can I do? and Where can I go for help? A new online multimedia information resource www.yourmentalhealth.ie has been developed as part of the campaign. This is the most comprehensive online repository of support services and information resources on mental health in Ireland, as well as giving tips on reaching out and listening.
