THE centenary of Salvation Army suicide prevention work is being recognised at the end of August when The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO), holds its biennial congress in Killarney, Ireland (28 August-1 September). Commissioner Robert Street (International Headquarters) will represent The Salvation Army as a guest speaker at the congress and Salvation Army personnel from around the world will also be participating.
The Salvation Army was the first organisation in the world to provide suicide prevention programmes. In 1907 its Founder, General William Booth, commenced the Army’s work in this field by establishing suicide prevention bureaux in the UK. Later that year in Australia the Army set up bureaux in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
WHO reports that in the year 2000, approximately one million people died through suicide – one death every 40 seconds. For every committed suicide there are at least 20 suicide attempts.
Immediately following the IASP Congress a two-day Salvation Army conference, titled 'Living Hope', will also take place in Killarney. The leader for the conference is Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan, the newly-appointed Director of the International Social Justice Commission. Commissioner MacMillan will be supported by Colonels Robert and Gwenyth Redhead, who will provide music and drama for delegates attending the conference.
- For more information about the IASP Congress, go to: www.iasp2007.org
- Information about the Salvation Army conference can be found on the UK Territory's web site or by clicking here: Living Hope
