Park to be lit up for suicide awareness event

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN A CANDLELIGHT memorial event will be held in Tuam's Palace grounds on Saturday night to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. The event is organised by four groups - Tuam and District Mental Health Association, Tuam Community Training Centre, Western Travellers Intercultural Developmental Association and Treo Nua, the Garda Youth Diversion Project. [private] Helen Kelly of Tuam Mental Health Association says they hope to release candle lanterns if the weather is fine. A number of local speakers who have varying experiences of suicide will talk at the event while music will be provided by a number of artists from Tuam and surrounding areas. Helen says the event aims to promote a message of love, joy and peace in the community in trying times when there is an increasing rate of suicide. She is trying to get as many young people involved in the event as possible. 'People can join us at the top of the steps at the park near the Celtic cross. It's just a way of raising awareness of suicide and letting people know what help there is,' said Helen. One of those who will talk at the vigil is Galway Co Councillor Peter Roche who lost one of his sons to suicide last year. He told of his personal experience when he addressed young people from around the country last weekend at a Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Seminar in Dublin, organised by Young Fine Gael. The councillor from Abbeyknockmoy says each time he speaks he feels his story is of some benefit to those listening. 'I get a lot of calls from young people just wanting to chat. I think the event on Saturday will do a lot of good. 'It was marvelous to see how young people are using their own platform to address the issue and ensuring that the serious message gets out,' he remarked. Cllr Roche described the increasing rate of suicide in Ireland as 'an epidemic of human loss' and said that Saturday's event will help those who might be looking for someone to talk to and offer support to those who have been bereaved by suicide to help deal with the trauma. 'It's all about engaging with people. Everyone needs help and I want to applaud Tuam Mental Health Association for what they are doing. 'Tuam and its hinterland has seen too many suicides in recent years and it's a very serious problem. It's not easy to give my experience but I feel it is worthwhile,' he said. Cllr Roche is mindful of how the issue of suicide is tackled and warns that it can't be normalised. 'It's about talking and listening. There is no question or doubt about it, suicide is a permanent solution to a short-term problem,' he added. 'We need to learn to be prepared to listen if someone wants to talk and watch out for signs from those who might be in difficulty,' concluded Cllr Roche. [/private]