26.01.2016
Suicide Prevention and the Church – VOX Magazine Seminar
VOX Magazine is organising a seminar on ‘Suicide Prevention and the Church’ in Dublin this Saturday, January 30. The seminar takes place in the Apostolic Church, 67a Pearse Street, Dublin 2, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm and the keynote speakers will be Gerry Raleigh of the National Office for Suicide Prevention and Joanie Reilly, councellor/psychotherapist.
VOX Magazine points out that every loss of life to suicide is tragic and leaves in its wake a tsunami of grief affecting family, friends and the wider community. And the church is not immune.
The launch of Ireland’s new strategy for suicide prevention, “Connecting for Life,” in 2015 was a call to arms for communities to work together to reduce the tragic loss of over 500 lives a year to suicide across the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, the suicide rate is close to 300 people a year.
VOX Magazine editor Ruth Garvey–Williams is a passionate campaigner for Christian engagement in this vital area. “This tragedy touches us all. So many of us have lost family members or friends to suicide. My vision is for churches to be informed, equipped, and inspired to engage effectively in suicide prevention alongside their local communities, to see lives saved and families restored, to comfort those who mourn and bind up the broken–hearted! That is why we at VOX Magazine have organised a series of one–day suicide–prevention conferences in January and February – bringing together people engaged in this vital work to help us,” she said.
Other speakers will include Stephen Bradley, Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing, and Christian counsellor Linda Rowett. The programme will include opportunities for discussion, questions and practical examples of how churches around Ireland are involved in suicide prevention.
The seminar will cost €20 per person (including lunch) with concessions available for students, the unemployed and senior citizens. The seminars are designed for church leaders and individual Christians who are concerned about suicide or have been affected by suicide and want to know how Christians can respond.
While VOX recognises that an event of this nature can stir up painful memories/emotions, and they will have people available on the day to talk and pray with people as needed, the conference is not designed for those who are currently experiencing distress or mental ill health. The Samaritans offer a 24–hour helpline on 116 123 (ROI) or by visiting www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch (includes Northern Ireland). You can contact a Christian counsellor by visiting www.iacc.ie and many churches can provide additional support.
To book a place on the seminar go to http://www.vox.ie/suicide-prevention-and-the-church, choose your venue, and sign up on the spot. Get further information via email (info@vox.ie) with “Suicide Prevention Conference” in the subject line, or telephone the VOX office on 01 443 4789. Other seminars will take place in Sligo and Cork.