Concern over funding cuts for suicide services
The increase in the cost of living could have a two pronged impact on local suicide prevention services.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government is looking at the options to reduce household costs, with a €100 electricity payment already being agreed.
However, Christine Wynne from Sosad says she’s concerned cash-strapped organisations could find themselves struggling.
“People are screaming out now about the bills and standard of living and resources are going to be put to that, so something has to give. It’s the usual, there’s not enough money for everything.”
While SOSAD is solely funded through donations and fundraising, Christine is concerned money could be diverted to cover the cost of the household payments.
“Money has to come from somewhere. When they take from one pot it leaves the other pot short. I think there will be a knock-on effect there where some of the services are going to be cut.”
Financial worries
On the other hand, concern over inflation and rising bills is leading to worry among people across Cavan. The task of making ends meet is proving too much for some people who have contacted the organisation.
“Normally at the end of January, we’d usually get calls where someone hasn’t been paid since the week before Christmas and they’re worried. We’d link in with the Lions Club and others to help people. We have had people who are concerned about not being able to pay their bills.”
Busy week on phones
SOSAD has again found itself inundated with calls from concerned locals looking for advice following the sudden death of a young Denn man last week.
“We have seen a huge increase - particularly last week - in groups, GAA clubs, Foróige groups reaching out, parents reaching out for advice. We have been asked to come to a few different events to speak at them.
“The morning after Oran Donohoe died the phones were very busy with parents wondering ‘what do I say?’ and looking for advice and that. We said it’s all going to be about them that day ‘why didn’t he say anything? Why didn’t he come to me?’ Which are natural after a suicide.”
While there has been an increase in discussion around suicide and the impact it is having, Christine is concerned about the number of young men in particular who are choosing to take their own lives.
“My fear would be that we could see a cluster of suicides. Some were different circumstances but they’re three of the same age group in a very short period of time.”
Discussion of mental health and suicide is welcome, Christine says, but the message is often that suicide is “a permanent solution to a temporary problem”.
SOSAD Cavan
Save Our Sons and Daughters (Sosad) Ireland is a suicide prevention and awareness group.
CIt provides a completely free counselling service and the Cavan branch is based at 26 Bridge Street.
Services are for anyone who needs support along with those who have been bereaved by suicide.
Phone lines are also in operation 24 hours a day. Call 049-4326339.
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