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RISE Life extends support to persons struggling with suicidal thoughts

Published:Thursday | September 13, 2018 | 12:00 AMCarlene Davis/Gleaner Writer
Morin-Abrahams

As the World Suicide Prevention Day Seminar gets under way today at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston, non-profit organisation RISE Life Management Services is offering its support lifeline to persons contemplating suicide.

Responding to an article published in The Sunday Gleaner recently, it was revealed that persons seeking help from dedicated suicide hotlines set up by the Government were unable to do so as the lines were defective.

Executive Director of RISE Life Management Services Sonita Morin-Abrahams says that the predicament faced by those persons is unfortunate but extended an invitation to them to contact the non-governmental organisation.

"It's obvious that this is a very critical service that needs to be provided. Suicide is a real threat, and it's something that needs to be addressed," said Abrahams.

Abrahams said that her lifeline was designed to primarily help persons with addictive disorder, and although her counsellors are trained to manage a wide range of issues, she was appealing to the Government for partnership and support to help persons with suicidal thoughts.

"We have counsellors available 24 hours a day, but we would want some support because the counsellors who take calls at nights are volunteers. We would want the relevant ministries to come on board and give us support so that we can expand our services and make sure we have more personnel to [deal with potential suicide cases]," said Abrahams.

RISE Life Management Services lifeline can be reached at is 1888 991 4146.

carlene.davis@gleanerjm.com