Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether community engagement through volunteering is an effective way to respond to the problem of suicide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13279/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The evidence base for the use of volunteers in the delivery of services is not extensive. However, there are some reports of instances where the presence of volunteers in health care facilities improves the patient's experience of the facility and their time in it. There is also some evidence that volunteering can have positive health effects, particularly for older people. For my own part, I believe that the great strength of voluntary activity is that it emerges from within our communities and is therefore a unique manifestation of community spirit. It reflects a sense of belonging to the community and a willingness to accept social responsibility.

Reach Out, our National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, recognises that the voluntary sector and community groups have an important role to play across all aspects of suicide prevention, from health promotion to crisis interventions and bereavement support. There are many local groups working in suicide prevention which have been established as a result of a personal or community tragedy. These groups have a significant role to play in bringing enthusiasm and a measure of personal experience to this difficult area.

I am of the view that all local voluntary efforts should be coordinated through professional structures such as the local resource officers for suicide prevention in the HSE, as it is important that these voluntary groups understand the difficulties and potential dangers of working with vulnerable people. The HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention delivers various training programmes to volunteers and staff of voluntary organisations and community groups working in the area of suicide prevention.