DUP Mid Ulster MLA Ian McCrea was delighted to welcome the Chair of the Health Committee, Jim Wells MLA to the Niamh Louise Foundation office in Cookstown. Speaking after the visit Ian McCrea said,

“I was delighted to welcome Jim Wells MLA, Chair of the Health Committee to come along and hear directly from those involved with the reality of Suicide in the local area and across Northern Ireland.

One of the main issues discussed was the need for people to become more aware of suicide and the need for it to be discussed openly and positively especially with our young people at school and at home. It is important to talk of suicide openly and positively so that those who may be at risk within the community may receive the proper intervention and care that they need. This care can be provided through complimentary therapy, mentoring & befriending as well as counselling in line with the lifeline project and as support to the therapy provided through the GP.

Both Jim and I were extremely impressed and encouraged by the facilities that the Niamh Louise Foundation provide to help people who are thinking about suicide but also for families who have to deal with the reality of it when a loved one takes their own life. I would encourage everyone who has been affected by suicide to make contact with the centre in Cookstown and also for schools to allow them to speak to the children as it is important that children now more than ever are aware of the realities that suicide brings.”