Candidate highlights Youth and Homophobia on World Suicide Prevention Day

national | miscellaneous | press release Friday August 30, 2013 20:39 by Campaign Wayne - Independent Pembroke South Dock

Wayne Flanagan Tobin, a local independent election candidate who lost his own father to suicide is highlighting the plight of young people for World Suicide Prevention Day 2013.

PRESS RELEASE

Candidate highlights Youth and Homophobia on World Suicide Prevention Day

Wayne Flanagan Tobin, a local independent election candidate who lost his own father to suicide is highlighting the plight of young people for World Suicide Prevention Day 2013.

A former Youth Worker with Catholic Youth Care, Flanagan Tobin that that there is a clear need to raise suicide-awareness levels amongst the general public in Ireland.According to the NOSP National Office of Suicide Prevention Ireland has he fourth highest rate of youth suicide in Europe.Flanagan Tobin says that all local councillors should undertake basic suicide prevention skills training as an immediate and practical measure, and will push for this to if elected next May.Speaking in advance of World Suicide Prevention Day September 10th 2013 (Flanagan) Tobin said:

“As somebody who lost my own father to suicide I am acutely aware of the impact such a tragic event can have on families and the community. As I councillor I will push for the strengthening of community based mental health services and funding for other programmes in the community such asfamily support services. I believe it should be the duty of all councillors to undergo basic suicide prevention and awareness skills programme such as the Safe Talk. I promise that if elected I will organise this training for all councillors on Dublin City Council.

On the trends today such as cyber bullying Flanagan Tobin - a former youth worker - says:

“As a member of Dublin City Council I will be pushing for better community facilities, and funding for youth services and activities which get young people active and away from the internet. While the internet has many advantages as an educational tool, it can impact a young persons’ overall quality of life if it is not used in moderation. We have all read the stories and seen the tragic results of online bullying.”

On homophobia and suicide Flanagan Tobin said:

“It is crucial we stamp out homophobia which has been described by experts as a trigger for suicidal events and a sense of fear. Some people need to change their behaviour and attitudes toward members of the LGBT community and realize that all people have a right to be treated with dignity and respect. It is 2013 after all and we need to move with the times as in many other European countries”.

ENDS.

Furher information on Wayne’s work on suicide prevention can be found online .
Wayne will be available for radion interviews in WSPD. 085-8398330.
Thank-you.