THE possibility of a suicidal drop-in centre in Enniskillen has been discussed with the Western Trust’s Mental Health Director, Trevor Millar.
Rita Cassidy, the administrator of Enniskillen Family, Friends and Neighbours Facebook page, was the driving force behind an online petition for a local 24/7 drop in centre.
The petition attracted over 1,600 signatures.
Having lost a loved one to suicide herself, she sadly knows all too well the lasting affects a death by suicide can leave on the family members left behind.
Concerned that not enough support was available in Fermanagh, Rita has calling on the Western Trust to prioritise the development of mental health services in the county.
Her campaigning resulted in a face to face meeting with Mr. Millar at the end of last month, thanks to the help of local councillor and mental health practitioner, Raymond Farrell.
During the meeting at the Drumcoo Centre, Rita outlined her own family’s experience as well as presenting Mr. Millar with the petition, it’s signatures and the comments made by its supporters.
“I told Mr. Millar about how people had contacted me through the Facebook page to tell me about their own stories,” explained Rita.
The meeting provided the opportunity for Mr. Millar to outline the services that were already in place in the local area.
Said Mr. Farrell: “Our meeting was extremely useful and it both gave the Trust an opportunity to tell us what was currently happening as well as for us to indicate and advocate our ideas to them.
“We were very focused on the progress in terms of services for people in emotional crisis in the area and to learn about the 24 hour intervention services that have recently been put in place in Enniskillen and Omagh. 
"A new initiative in Londonderry which hopefully will get off the ground in terms of a community based drop in support network was also discussed and if successful could be a useful addition in this area,” he said.
“I also took the opportunity to highlight my desire to see greater linkage and support between GP services and mental health professionals as was the vision in the Bengoa report. 
"The development of Respite Services in terms of its development was also discussed and I am hopeful we will see further progress in this service in the coming months.
“I think it is essential that the community do have knowledge of emotional First Aid as they do of First Aid for physical ailments and there is an onus on everyone to learn and develop self help strategies when ever possible. We also took the opportunity to recognise the great work all our mental health staff are doing in very challenging circumstances.”
Mr. Millar outlined that the pilot drop-in centre in Londonderry was due to begin in the very near future. 
He advised that the possibility of introducing a similar model in Fermanagh is postponed until the success of it’s Londonderry equivalent is gauged.