National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP ) figures has once again revealed the high levels of male suicide in the country, with the 45 to 54 age bracket most at risk.
However, the more positive news is that the rate of suicide in Ireland has declined.
Derek McDonnell, programme director of Mojo, a leading men’s health and wellbeing training programme, said: “I welcome the news this morning from the NOSP that suicide rates are decreasing, however, we still have a long way to go as a country to tackle the mental health challenges people face. As is the trend, male suicide rates are the highest by far, with particular high percentages with men aged 45 to 54. That is why our programmes are aimed at reducing the high levels of male suicide rates in Ireland.
“Mojo works with men, through health and fitness, life planning and goal setting, to provide them with a multi-disciplinary approach to deal with everyday challenges. A significant part of what we do is introducing them to the supports needed and providing them with the capacity to deal with a hectic work life balance, or providing them with the skills to prepare to re-enter the workforce. Mojo has seen some amazing result to date, with a 86 per cent to 90 per cent retention rate on the programme, and 70 per cent to 76 per cent rate of progression onto training and education.”
Mojo focuses on targeting men 18 and older, following evidence that the risk of suicide amongst this cohort is extremely high. Mojo programmes work with men over several different programme formats: from four-week mini Mojos to 12-week comprehensive programmes, both as part of a group and on a one-to-one basis.
These programmes aim to reduce the high levels of male suicide in Ireland by helping men foster social connections and life-planning skills. Within the programme, men learn to build their mental and physical fitness while developing the ability to engage with local services and the community, set goals, and develop a life plan.
