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For press enquiries, please contact Roma Casey: 028 87 753 228

Breakthru launches new service to tackle suicide and self-harm

Breakthru, a local voluntary organisation working in the drugs, alcohol, suicide and self-harm fields, has today (Tuesday 10th October 2007) launched a new counselling service across the Craigavon, Dungannon and Armagh areas.

Funded by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust in support of the 'Protect Life: Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy'''', the new You First Counselling service will provide therapeutic counselling to people who are either directly or indirectly affected by suicide or self-harm. People can either refer themselves by contacting Breakthru on freephone 0808 800 2020, or alternatively through their G.P. Appointments are available in Dungannon, Armagh, Portadown, Lurgan, Craigavon and Fivemiletown.

Paul Edwards, Manager of Breakthru, said:

"This new service is aimed at combating the recent rise in suicide, but also in addressing self-harm. Breakthru operates its services to the guidelines as laid down by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. We are pleased that the Southern Health and Social Care Trust has decided to support this service which is badly needed in the area. Latest statistics show that in 2006 291 people died by suicide. Suicide affects people of all ages, both directly and indirectly and does not discriminate according to class or creed. It is an issue that everyone needs to be concerned with and aware of the help and support services that are available.'

All of the counsellors that Breakthru employs are fully qualified and work according to an ethical framework. The service is confidential and appointments can be arranged to suit the needs of the individual. You First counselling offers a safe, protective and supportive environment for people to talk about issues that are impacting upon their life. The service is open to all age ranges.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Paul Edwards: 028 87 753 228

Notes to Editors:

• Breakthru, a registered charity, has its main base in Dungannon, and further offices in Armagh and Fivemiletown.
• Breakthru focuses on drugs and alcohol awareness, education, prevention, intervention and counselling and has expanded to include additional issues such as suicide prevention, self-harm and mental health.
• The organisation works across the Dungannon, Armagh, Clogher Valley, Magherafelt and Craigavon areas.
• Breakthru is part of Dungannon Development Association and is governed by a Board of Directors.
• Breakthru is a member of the Southern Drugs and Alcohol Co-ordination Team and currently occupies the Vice-Chair position.
• Breakthru in conjunction with the Niamh Louise Foundation has recently lauched a new support service based in the Breakthru Centre. Called 'Alo' which means to 'support, maintain, cherish' in Latin, the centre provides a drop-in facility, youth forum, and a support group for people bereaved by suicide.

Breakthru highlights rise of Cocaine in new report

Breakthru, a local drugs and alcohol awareness and intervention organisation has today (Tuesday 15th May 2007) launched a new report into the use of Cocaine across the Southern area. Representatives from statutory, voluntary and community organisations from across the southern area, attended the launch, in the Armagh City Hotel.

Commissioned by the Southern Health and Social Services Board (SHSSB) via the Southern Drugs and Alcohol Co-ordination Team, the report is in support of the New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs 2006-2011. The investigation was carried out across the five main areas of Dungannon, Portadown, Lurgan, Armagh and Newry, and raises some new questions about the level of use and availability of Cocaine.

Paul Edwards, Manager of Breakthru, said:

"This research should act as a catalyst to address the growing concern about the issue of Cocaine. It illustrates the increased availability and use of the drug in the areas that we researched.

Whilst the report provides a snapshot, it illustrates clearly the need for long-term research to accurately measure the situation at both a local and regional level. Additionally, services must be developed and tailored towards those Cocaine users who wish to access help.

With almost two-thirds of respondents to our questionnaire feeling that Cocaine use has now become more socially acceptable, it is vital that the people are properly educated and made aware of the risks and harms associated with Cocaine."

The report, Where's Charlie? An investigation into the prevalence of Cocaine use across the Southern Area reveals that:

• 61% of people who took part in the questionnaire had been offered Cocaine.
• 38% of respondents admitted to having used Cocaine at some stage.
• Males had an average prevalence rate of 45.7% for Cocaine use. (gender-balanced)
• Females had an average prevalence rate of 26.8% for Cocaine use. (gender-balanced)
• Of those who used Cocaine, the majority admitted to using it for the first time to have fun or to experiment.
• Only 2% of respondents who admitted to using Cocaine used it by itself. 84.3% of those who used Cocaine also used Alcohol at the same time.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Roma Casey: 028 87 753 228

Notes to Editors:

• Breakthru, a registered charity, has its main base in Dungannon, and further offices in Armagh and Fivemiletown.
• Breakthru focuses on drugs and alcohol awareness, education, prevention, intervention and counselling and is expanding to include additional issues such as suicide prevention, self-harm and mental health.
• The organisation works across the Dungannon, Armagh, Clogher Valley, Magherafelt and Craigavon areas.
• Breakthru is part of Dungannon Development Association and is governed by a Board of Directors.
• Breakthru is a member of the Southern Drugs and Alcohol Co-ordination Team and currently occupies the Vice-Chair position.