O’Neill meets with suicide awareness charities

Rural Development Minister, Michelle O’Neill today met with representatives from suicide awareness charity PIPS and the Niamh Louise foundation.
~ Tuesday, 31 January 2012

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how DARD, PIPS and the Niamh Louise foundation could work together to raise suicide awareness in rural areas.

Speaking after the meeting Minister O’Neill said: “PIPS and the Niamh Louise foundation carry out vital work in raising awareness of the issue of suicide in our society. My Department is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those living in rural communities.

"Organisations like these can provide a valuable service to the vulnerable living in rural areas and today’s meeting provided an opportunity to explore how DARD can support actions that address mental health issues, including reducing the incidence of suicide in rural areas.”

At the meeting the Minister outlined the ongoing work of her Department for the wellbeing of those living in rural communities. She said: “My Department is committed to achieving equitable outcomes for vulnerable groups. We provide funding for ‘Rural Support’, a charitable organisation for farmers and rural dwellers who are experiencing financial and social stress, and we work with the Rural Development Council and the Rural Community Network to develop and support rural communities.

“DARD is also working with the Public Health Agency on proposals to roll out community based ‘Health Checks’ in rural areas. This service will give rural dwellers advice on a range of health matters, including mental health.”

Notes to editors:

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