Demonstrators gathered in Dublin city centre this afternoon to protest cuts to mental health services. The demonstrators are calling on the government to restore the services seen as vital in helping people suffering from mental illness.
Figures released yesterday from the CSO show there's been a substantial drop in the number of young people taking their own lives. The figures showed an overall 6.3% reduction in suicides and 23% drop in the number of young people taking their own lives. However, Ireland remained the fourth highest nation in the EU for suicide among 15-24 year olds.
Jamie Harrington, a Mental Health Activist who organised today's demonstration said at the protest: "We're here to protest against the Government cutting vital services for people with mental health issues.
"Since last Saturday, ten people in Ireland have died from suicide, which is hugely wrong in this country, so we're here today to show the Government we're not taking their cuts any more."
"I was affected by depression and suicide, and I got help. I'm trying to teach people you don't have to go through it alone - there's always somebody there to talk to."
