FOLLOWING the recent spate of deaths as a result of suicide a campaign is gathering support to put signage throughout Cave Hill Country Park in north Belfast, as well as on train lines, bridges, all with supportive messages and helpline numbers.
The recent death of Michael Cullen, a talented beat boxer has led to a community-led campaign, that includes pressure on MLAs to act.
The suicide rate of Northern Ireland being the highest in the UK, the recent loss of such a prominent young talent has brought to the forefront the feelings of the majority of people of the country that too many people are suffering from mental health problems without support.
As depression and mental health still ‘taboo; for many the need to change this, is felt to be of paramount importance across communities.
Through the Momentum4Michael Facebook group, which was firstly set up to try and locate the Belfast man, it has become a rally for change.
Member Oonagh Fairgrieve took to Twitter to rally support from local councillors regarding the idea of suicide prevention signage throughout Cave Hill, train lines, bridges and other ‘hot spots’ with encouraging words and help-line numbers.
Other members believe that a panic button idea at certain areas which could be linked to a system for a person in need, who may not have the words to say to hit in despair and a trained team could come and assist them home and support them.
Speaking to the group Oonagh recently said: “I tweeted Nuala McAllister, Nichola Mallon and other previous Lord Mayors to implore them to look at signage for people in distress at various points around NI including Cave Hill.
“I got a positive response from Nuala and Nichola. Michael’s passing mirrored the death of my friend Mark in July; both incredible talents with a host of friends and loved ones who thought the world of them. I know it’s not much, but in Michael, Mark and everyone else we’ve lost in tragic circumstances, we should join together to support to reduce the amount of people we lose.”
North Belfast SDLP MLA Nichola Mallon has raised the matter in City Hall.
She said: “The whole community is in shock and deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Michael Cullen. Our hearts go out to his loved ones and friends.
“Especially at times like this, we all try to think of what we can practically do to help prevent another tragic loss. The idea of signage at Cave Hill for people in distress was raised with me by friends of Michael and by others who have been bereaved through suicide.
“I think it’s a great idea and have requested that Belfast City Council, working alongside others with expertise in this field, erects signs in Cave Hill Country Park and other similar sites which have been the scene of tragic loss. If a sign with a message of hope and helpline numbers for example makes even one person in distress and despair stop, realise they are not alone and seek help then it will be worth it.
“A sign won’t change the world but it could save someone’s life and that’s why I believe we need to do it”
There is currently a petition for the signage at: https://www.change.org/p/belfast-city-council-belfast-city-council-please-erect-signage-at-cavehill-for-people-who-may-be-in-distress
If you are feeling low, depressed or suicidal, reach out to a friend or family member. Alternatively you can call:
Lifeline http://www.lifelinehelpline.info/ Anyone of any age living in Northern Ireland can call Lifeline free of charge on 0808 808 8000 if they are experiencing distress or despair. The Lifeline helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us Whatever you’re going through, call free any time, from any phone on 116 123, round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can also visit www.mindingyourhead.info for advice on dealing with poor mental health.