President Michael D Higgins has been named as the patron of the national suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console which has a full-time base in Galway.
“President Higgins has a deep interest and awareness of mental health issues and their impact on society and we are honoured that has agreed to become our patron,” said Console’s chief executive and founder Paul Kelly.
“With suicide rates at consistently high levels in Ireland we greatly appreciate the President’s support in highlighting our work. In our meetings with President Higgins he has spoken about the need to create a culture of positive mental health and expressed his concern about the devastating impact suicide has on families and communities.
“We are delighted that he will address Console’s annual conference which is focused on how individuals, communities, and the caring agencies can work together to reduce suicide in Ireland,” he said.
