The founder of one of Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charities says there needs to be a more community based approach to suicide across the north west region.
According to the most recent figures available from the Central Statistics Office, Donegal had the highest rate of suicide in the region with over 10 suicides per 100,000 people.
The latest research which looks at the period between the years 2014 and 2016 shows Leitrim had just over 9 suicides per 100,000 people while Leitirm had just over 7.
Men account for approximately 80% of suicides and Leitrim has one of the highest rates of male suicide in the country.
Founder and CEO of Suicide or Survive Caroline McGuigan, says while progress is being made, much more needs to be done to address the challenge and community-based programmes have a key role to play.
