Public Q&A Session On Suicide Prevention

A public question and answer question on suicide prevention is to be held in L'Derry tomorrow, Saturday 21 September.

The event is a unique opportunity for members of the public to hear the latest research findings and put questions to experts from the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP).

Professor Siobhan O'Neill of Ulster University, who will act as one of the chairs on the panel, said it was a good chance to hear the latest findings.

"This will be Derry's largest ever conference and we are very keen to ensure that the community can access the expertise of speakers, and hear about the latest research on this topic," she commented.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Michaela Boyle, encouraged local people to attend the free event: "We are all aware of the challenges around suicide prevention and so many local families have been touched by the loss of a loved one through suicide," she stressed.

"The IASP Conference has provided an important platform for the issue here in the NW, and Saturday's event opens up the discussions to the wider public, a great opportunity to share learnings and experiences."

No registration is required for the conference, however places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Fresh Young Artists Exhibit Work In Co L'Derry

Artworks created by young people, including some living with mental health and social issues, are set to go on display in the Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart.

Led by local artist Sydella Gallick, the Fresh Young Artists project was funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Public Health Agency as part of their Young People and Wellbeing Programme and managed by Fresh Minds Education.

Using paint, mixed media, clay and found objects, participants created an electric and vibrant exhibition, which is as much about the process as the final outcomes. The pieces they have created relate to their life, feelings, dreams, wellbeing and self-belief.

A special launch event will take place on Saturday 05 October from 12pm – 1pm and the exhibition will remain open until Thursday 31 October.

Has Your Business Been Targeted By Criminals?

Local business owners are being encouraged to respond to a survey aiming to help reduce crime and make Northern Ireland a safer place for firms to operate.

The Business Crime Partnership work together to make Northern Ireland a safer, more competitive place to do business and to continue to bridge the gap between business crime strategy and delivery.

The survey is seeking up-to-date information from businesses on:

• how they have been impacted by crime committed against them

• what crime types the business community are most concerned about

• what are the most effective measures they have taken to deter crime

• what support they have found most helpful.

All responses to the survey are anonymous and the findings will be used to help shape the partnership's future work by improving the Business Crime Action Plan.

Complete the survey online before the closing date of Wednesday 20 November.



(JG/CM)