Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 May 2012
470 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his view on signposting for suicide voluntary bodies given that there is a conflict of opinion as to the effectiveness of signposting whereby they could discourage potential clients from calling in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23828/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a wide array of services available in Ireland for individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental illness and suicidal ideation. These services are not limited to the statutory medical services, but include voluntary and community based services all of which are essential to the comprehensive framework of support required to advance an effective suicide prevention strategy. Consequently, access to these services is not limited to referral by a GP, but also includes signposting by one service to another. By improving the connections between the services, it is most likely that each individual will be supported to access the service best suited to his/her need.
One of the objectives of the HSE is to increase awareness of and access to high quality support services for people experiencing mental health difficulties or those in distress. Signposting is a key mechanism through which people are referred to and can gain access to appropriate services. Evaluations of National Mental Health Awareness campaigns have demonstrated that if services are advertised, contacts generally increase. Therefore, in promoting services agencies need to ensure that they have the capacity to respond to service user needs. I am not aware of any international evaluations on the effectiveness or otherwise of signposting to voluntary bodies working in the field of suicide prevention.
In 2011 the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention commissioned Samaritans to pilot their CONNECT system. This three year project is focused on examining how helpline callers can be signposted to appropriate services in a more timely way. The benefits of the project will include the stream-lining and coordination of services, stronger links between the statutory, voluntary and community agencies and enhanced service provision by help lines. In addition, the project will provide a greater understanding of caller needs across the sector, improve the opportunity for callers to avail of services and provide practical help when needed. This project includes training in signposting for volunteers, monitoring signposting activity and developing protocols for third party groups.
The NOSP, through its recently established National Implementation Group on the Reach Out strategy, is currently working with key stakeholders to raise levels of awareness of services which are available. It is also planned over the next two years to evaluate services currently funded by NOSP. Issues which will be examined include the impact of the service, quality of service and value for money.
