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Call for action as female suicide rate rises in Ireland

A new report from the Samaritans has found an increase in the rate of women taking their own live...
Newstalk
Newstalk

15.48 23 May 2016


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Call for action as female suic...

Call for action as female suicide rate rises in Ireland

Newstalk
Newstalk

15.48 23 May 2016


Share this article


A new report from the Samaritans has found an increase in the rate of women taking their own lives.

The organisation has released its annual report examining the latest information.

It shows the female suicide rate for the Republic of Ireland has increased by 14.7% in the year 2013 to 2014, while the rate for men fell by 6.4%.

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In 2014, 459 people took their own lives - of whom 368 were men and 91 were women.

The group is urging the new Government to take steps to reduce suicide in Ireland.

Samaritans executive director for Ireland, Catherine Brogan, said: 'We are naturally concerned. Each person who dies by suicide leaves behind family and friends whose lives will never be the same again. Every single suicide is a tragedy".

"Tackling suicide requires a wide range of agencies to work together nationally and in communities, to give people the best chance to turn their lives around when they are struggling".

"Strong political oversight and leadership is required to ensure that the challenges we face in reducing suicide are overcome".

Samaritans is calling on parties and elected representatives to make suicide reduction a priority by ensuring that 'Connecting for Life', the national strategy for suicide reduction, is implemented and that ring-fenced funding for suicide reduction is maintained.

The group says men are still four times more likely to take their own lives than women.

"We must all work together to encourage men and women to seek help before reaching a crisis point, so that they can access the support they need", Ms Brogan added.

Anyone can contact Samaritans free any time from any phone on 116 123, e-mail jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.ie to find details of your nearest branch.


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