Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Next Monday will see the launch of a new men's mental health programme in Baltinglass, County Wicklow. This is the Headsup programme. Headsup is an evidence-based mental health education and training programme for men who are finding life stressful, have issues with unemployment, feel isolated or lonely and who wish to learn ways to improve their well-being. Headsup gives men the opportunity to build their mental health and physical fitness, while developing their ability to make connections, set goals and develop a life plan to get back on track. In an era of increasing rural isolation, mental health issues are often cited as particularly acute. I see this myself at first hand. This is also evidenced by the high suicide rate among men. For example, CSO data recently showed that of 449 people who died by suicide, 80% of those were men, which is 359. Will the Minister of State outline what measures contained in the programme for Government would support and complement the important work that begins next week in west Wicklow?

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