We are just holding Safetalk just on 3rd March Scruleen 1230-4 and Balgaddy 13th March 10-1.30 Other training will be held later in year dates to be announced – this means for now Bawnogue and Knockmitten training will not go ahead for now! Places still available in Scruleen and Balgaddy. I will announce other dates soon and anyone on list will be contacted.

Statement on Motion

Motion ‘’That this Council support Jake’s Amendment and calls on the Minister for the Coroner’s Act to be amended so that a Coroner can return a verdict of iatrogenic which is medically induced suicide and we agree to write to the relevant minister.’’

On 20 March 2013, shortly after being prescribed the antidepressant, Prozac, 14 year old Jake McGill Lynch ended his own life using a firearm. Jake, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, was given an antidepressant drug despite research stating that it has no benefit for children with Asperger’s syndrome and despite the emerging evidence of harm.

The coroner in Jake’s case rejected a suicide verdict for Jake. This was due to an email that Jake wrote 24 hours before he took his own life, through no fault of his own. He was writing to a friend and he conveyed his concerns about the medication he was taking, and that he was feeling worse because of it. He said he felt drugged out of his mind and was trying to suppress the bad feelings. Based on those words that were brought to the coroner’s attention, the coroner said that this child was not in his right mind and that he would not elaborate on the medication.

He asked Jake’s parents what verdict they would like, open or narrative. They chose an open verdict. None of the options suited. Their belief is that Jake was not in his right mind due to medication. Jake had no history or diagnosis of depression, suicide ideation or self-harm. That is confirmed by the prescribing psychiatrist.

Jake’s parents, Stephanie and John, work tirelessly to bring attention to this issue and to campaign for a change to the law.

Their request is simple. They want the Coroners Act to be amended in order that a coroner can return a verdict of iatrogenic – medically induced – suicide where such is the case. Of course, the coroner will take into consideration the evidence before him or her. This option should be available. It is an issue that must be highlighted. A verdict of suicide, returned in accordance with the provisions of the 1962 Act, must be differentiated from a verdict of iatrogenic suicide. By definition, this type of suicide is the ending of one’s own life where the effect of medical treatment undertaken by the deceased, including any prescribed medication, is the primary cause of such an action.

Over ten years ago, warnings first began that children in particular needed to be closely monitored when put on certain drugs. Evidence from many sources confirms that some medications can cause or exacerbate a wide range of abnormal mental and behavioural conditions. … Each of these reactions can worsen the individual’s mental condition and can result in suicidality.

It is wholly the responsibility of medical professionals, scientists and the Department of Health to advise, monitor and manage health care. The intention of this amending legislation is simply to give this real issue the place it rightly deserves within our legislative process, from the perspective of justice and the reporting of correct cause of death.

The World Health Organization states that countries “need to know how many people are born and die each year – and the main causes of their deaths – in order to have well-functioning health systems”.

As the scientific evidence for the link between some medications and suicidal tendencies grows, countries will need to legislate for this. Ireland has a chance to be quick off the mark in being an example in this regard.

The amended version of the 2007 Bill should contain a comprehensive list of verdicts open for a coroner or a jury, as the case may be, to return.

Mental Health is at crisis point in Ireland. We have 5th highest rate of suicide in Europe but lack a national strategy on prevention, Ireland has the highest rate of suicide in young females across Europe and the second highest rate of suicide in young males. We need a national strategy on prevention –

If you need help Pieta House @ mary@pieta.ie or Ph: (01)6010000, Jigsaw @ clondalkin@jigsaw.ie or (01)538 0087, Beacon Of Light @ support@beaconoflight.ie or (01)4578700 –

#‎IAmAReason

On the 21^st December outside Clondalkin Civic office a night of remembrance will be held to remember all those who have died by suicide and those living with mental health issues. Cllr Timmons is appealing for anyone that needs to talk to contact a friend / family or a service, Christmas can be a sad and lonely time for a lot of people. People struggle financially and emotionally over the period , we need to keep conversations going and watch out for each other over the festive period. Services such as Beacon of Light (Landline: 01-4578700 or Mobile: 085 8431938) , Pieta House (01-6010000) , Samaritans (116 123) can help in a hour of need. Don’t be afraid to talk, Remember its ok not to be ok! The message needs to get out there to TALK when you need! Mental health is as important as any other part of our health. One in four live with mental health issues and one in 9 need medical help with mental health issues – you are not alone and there is hope.

On the 21^st we will have Carol Cosgrove and John Quinn who will both talk about their own loss. We will have some music by Russell Lawlor and co. and let of balloons to celebrate life and remember those gone too soon and many way to young. We will light a candle to remember and reflect on mental health. It’s a chance for the community to come out and speak about mental health and spread a message of hope. All are welcome to the night outside Clondalkin Civic office.

https://www.facebook.com/events/177688455912928/

Cllr Francis Timmons is delighted to announce that the Tree of Hope will be coming to Clondalkin at the skateboard park in community centre @ 2 and corkagh park @ 3 this Sunday March 1^st  

South Dublin County Council have sponsored both Trees and given the locations.

Cllr Timmons said ‘’this is a chance as a community to remember our loved ones lost to suicide and also to support those who live day to day with mental health issues’’ ‘’It will be a public place to go to remember those lost many to young and to soon, if you or a friend/family member need to talk to someone please contact the beacon of light at 01 457 8700 or Jigzaw at 01 538 0087 , talk to someone and share how your feeling’’

Remembrance Night on 21st December at 7pm at SDCC office Clondalkin

Facebook event @ https://www.facebook.com/events/1547976648782967/

ReNewcastle Group are doing Cardiac Screening!! This is to avoid Sudden Death Syndrome, The event is on 8th November in Newcastle Community Centre .The cost is €45.00 per person and its open to everyone between the ages of 14 and 37. please contact Oliver McNally if interested. This €45 could literally be a life saving €45-.

I am asking our TD’s to support an extension of BreastCheck, the national free screening programme, to women aged 65-69 years of age. At present BreastCheck invites women aged 50-64 years for screening every two years.

The 2011 Programme for Government promised to extend the free screening service to women aged 65-69 years old. This was to be carried out in 2014. This has not happened. I would like you to pass on my concerns to the Minister for Health and ensure that the extension to this age group is included in the HSE’s National Services Plan 2015.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Ireland (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). On average 2,781 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Women have a 1 in 10 chance of developing breast cancer during the course of their life time.

Early detection is the key to longer survival as the cancer is found and treated early. Regular screening should reduce the risk of death from breast cancer by 35%.

The following 3 events are coming up over the next 3 months

1) public meeting on Suicide Prevention/mental health on 5th august at
7pm upstairs in the Waterside in Clondalkin.

2)”Tree of Hope” planting on 3rd September @ 7pm at the Beacon of Light

3) Balloon launch @ 8pm and quiz after for Beacon of light on 12th
September in the Waterside in Clondalkin.

Cllr Timmons is actively trying to promote positive mental Health.
Cllr Timmons (Independent) said two Facts are One person in every
three attending the family doctor has a mental health aspect to the
medical problem and Of those who live to 65 – one in nine will spend
some time in mental health care”

Cllr Timmons added ”The Dreadful Austerity has increased mental
Health concerns for many and cuts of EURO 15m to mental health budget in
last year’s budget have driven services to the edge. We are Lucky in
Clondalkin to have services like the Beacon Of Light Counselling
service and Jigsaw. The Council needs to assist these services in all
ways possible. ”

Cllr Timmons went on to say ”People who have good mental health: Feel
good about themselves , Feel comfortable with other people and Are
able to meet the demands of life , We all need to be vigilant and
watch out for any signs of poor mental health like poor sleep ,
erratic behaviour and mood swings etc. ”

Cllr Timmons said in his opinion ”we need to start a conversation
going on Mental in in the Clondalkin area. We have lost too many
people to suicide. We need to work together as a community to work on
this and come up with solutions. ”

Getting or staying active is one way of Helping your mental Health
Join a local group or Club, join Tidy towns etc. Meeting and talking
to people does help. If anyone wants to be linked in or would like to
be involved in a group to look at Mental Health issues / Promotion
they can contact me @ 087 2869315 or ftimmons@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie