HSE Dublin and Midlands region supports ‘Wear the Green “See Change” Ribbon and Raise Awareness on World Suicide Prevention Day 2024

Hospital and community services across the HSE Dublin and Midlands recently marked World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) with the hope that they can offer vital support to those who are struggling.
Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700 000 deaths each year globally and it can affect every one of us.

This year's theme is ‘Change the Narrative’, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.

Patrick Jones, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention HSE Longford and Westmeath stated the them urges us all to be more proactive in being there for those who may be struggling and it encourages us to help them to reach out for appropriate support.

"We can gain the skills and confidence to do this by engaging in a newly developed suicide prevention programme," he said. "Produced by the National Office for Suicide Prevention, this free online programme, which takes approximately 60 minutes to complete, is available at www.traininghub.nosp.ie and uses a mix of guided online content, video and interactive questions. 

Mr Jones said it can be worked through at a person's own pace and a certificate is awarded following completion of the course.

Suicide Prevention HSE Longford and Westmeath said every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those who have lost their loved ones including friends and work colleagues.

WSPD is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote actions that will endeavour to reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts in our community.

By raising awareness and reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well informed action it is hoped we can all play our part in reducing suicide deaths around the world.

Some advice on how people can change the narrative on suicide includes ‘Starting the conversation’ and checking in on those you may be concerned about.

WSPD is also focused on helping to shift away from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy, and support by engaging in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour.

Other advice includes encouraging understanding – acknowledging that suicidal thoughts and feelings are a sign of immense pain and distress but talking about them does not increase their presence or occurrence.

Another highly important element of support is listening without judgment, offering help and assistance, and guiding individuals towards help.

It is also a recommended that people familiarise themselves with the services that are there to provide support to whoever may need it and acknowledge those who have been bereaved through suicide and be sensitive and compassionate to their feelings at this time.

Claire Donnelly, General Manager, Mental Health Services, HSE Midlands said WSPD reminds us of the "importance of minding our own mental health and wellbeing and of the availability of local and national services if we should need to reach out for support".

She added: "It reminds us to be sensitive to those who may have lost loved ones to suicide and to show compassion and support to them at this time."

September is also the month in which the See Change Green Ribbon campaign is rolled out across the country.

Staff across the HSE Dublin and Midlands region for this week and for the month of September proudly wear the See Change Green Ribbon, a campaign aimed at spreading awareness of mental health difficulties and to help end mental health stigma and discrimination.

Kate Killeen White, Regional Executive Officer HSE Dublin and Midlands, stated they are delighted to show their support for the See Change Green Ribbon campaign across our Hospitals and Community Services and with our partners supporting Suicide Awareness activities within our communities.

"Suicide can affect every one of us, and unfortunately we see it too often in our community," she said.
"Our aim, this WSPD was to raise awareness amongst our colleagues and the public on how their actions, can help change the narrative around suicide. You can be the encouragement that can help save a life.”