There is a 'significantly higher suicide rate in Kildare'
A call has been made for greater awareness to reduce stigma
There is a notably higher rate of death by suicide in Kildare when compared to other counties.
A Kildare County Council meeting also heard from Cllr Chris Pender that there is concern about access to mental health services.
Cllr Pender (SD) and Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer (FG) asked that the Kildare Mental Health Association be asked to brief local councillors on the services that are available throughout the county.
“We need to know what services are there and how they interact with each other,” Cllr Pender told a KCC meeting.
He also said there is a need to work with other organisations to improve these services.
Independent councillor Pat Balfe stressed the importance of raising awareness because this has the effect of reducing stigma.
Cllr Balfe, a former member of the KMHA, said many people across Kildare are impacted by suicide.