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The recent release of the Registrar Generals report reveals that once again Newry Mourne & Down area ranks second in Northern Ireland for suicide deaths in 2017. Across Northern Ireland 305 deaths were recorded up from 298 from 2016. There is a reported 100 suicides in Belfast and 28 in  Newry Mourne & Down. Analysis of the overall figures confirm the common gender pattern that three times as many males to females ended their lives by suicide (234M :71F). The impact of the loss of a loved one to suicide is known only to those who have suffered that loss. Due to the stigma and taboo attached to suicide one Author commented that families were left with a "Special Scar". Recent research indicates that up to 135 people are significantly…

Patricia Casement of Trackars Healthcare pictured with David Smith and Pat McGreevy of SDZ0000.

Art of Conversation Monday July 3 saw the launch a new booklet which marks the start of a new public information campaign aiming at reducing the stigma that surrounds suicide. The booklet was launched at the Saint Patrick’s Centre in Downpatrick by the locally based Suicide Down to Zero group. Spokesman Pat McGreevy said “We in Suicide Down to Zero believe that: – most, if not all, suicides are preventable; everyone can make a contribution to saving lives from suicide and that the goal and ambition in Northern Ireland should be zero suicide deaths. Indeed if t we do not strive for zero suicide deaths what is the acceptable number of suicide deaths we should expect. An `acceptable level of suicide` approach prompts question as to who then will survive…

New Creations Crossgar are running a raffle for S.D.Z so if you would like to win some lovely Easter goodies call i to Elizabeth at New Creations Crossgar and get your raffle tickets.

TWO local organisations have joined forces to launch a charity partnership for 2018. The Downpatrick-based suicide prevention charity, Suicide Down to Zero, has been selected as Charity of the Year for Trackars Healthcare. The health and homecare company is pledging to raise thousands of pounds for the organisation through a range of activities and events planned for the remainder of the year. The partnership was officially launched at an SME Business Breakfast event hosted by Trackars Healthcare yesterday morning. The joint event focused on the importance of communication — both in real life and in the work place — with attendees benefiting from the expertise of esteemed business and career coach Claire Bain who delivered a talk on ‘vital communication in the workplace’. Continuing with the theme of communication, the…