A group in Limerick patrols the River Shannon to speak with people in despair. US states consider a do-not-sell list for firearms to prevent suicides. Personal stories highlight the impact of restricting access to guns. The podcast challenges misconceptions about suicide and offers resources for help.
Limerick's Suicide Watch in Ireland aims to prevent suicides by patrolling the River Shannon and offering support to individuals in crisis.
Dona's Law, a voluntary do-not-sell list for firearms, aims to prevent suicides in the United States by limiting access to guns, the most lethal method of suicide.
Deep dives
Suicide Prevention in Ireland
In Limerick, Ireland, a community-driven initiative called Limerick's Suicide Watch aims to prevent suicides by patrolling the River Shannon, where many people have lost their lives. Trained volunteers engage with individuals who appear distressed and offer support. By being visible and approachable, they create a sense of community and provide assistance to those in crisis. While no concrete data on the reduction in suicide rates is available, the initiative has had numerous interactions and likely prevented several suicides.
Dona's Law and Suicide Prevention
Dona's Law is a voluntary do-not-sell list for firearms, enabling individuals in the United States to opt out of purchasing guns. The law, which has been passed in Washington, Virginia, and Utah, allows people to protect themselves during moments of extreme vulnerability. Even if they change their minds, the waiting period for reversing the decision provides a critical buffer. This initiative, led by Katrina Reese, aims to prevent suicides by limiting access to guns, the most lethal method of suicide in the US.
Reducing Suicide Rates
While suicide rates in Europe have decreased by 20% from 2011 to 2019, the United States has witnessed an increase of over 10% during the same period. Access to guns plays a pivotal role, as more than half of fatal shootings in the US are suicides. Experts stress the importance of gun control measures in suicide prevention, and initiatives like Dona's Law offer a practical and politically viable solution. Removing access to guns would create a significant barrier during moments of crisis and potentially save thousands of lives.
More than 400 people in Ireland took their own lives in 2022. In Limerick, helicopters are often heard flying above the city in search of missing people in the River Shannon.
But in response to this tragic situation, a group has sprung up to patrol the Shannon in the evenings to speak with people who are feeling desperate. Katie Flannery joins them on a Saturday night to see how they work and to hear their stories.
We also hear about a law that is under consideration in several US states, which would allow people with mental health problems to voluntarily put themselves on a do-not-sell list for firearms.
This programme contains discussion of suicide and suicide attempts. If you feel affected by this topic, you can speak to someone who can help. Go to befrienders.org to find a crisis phone line where you live.
Presenter: Myra Anubi
Reporter: Katie Flannery
Producer: William Kremer
Series producer: Tom Colls
Sound mix: Gareth Jones
Editor: Penny Murphy
Email: peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk
Image: Limerick Suicide Watch
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