OHANA ZERO suicide has launched its Twenty2Zero campaign to break the stigma associated with suicide and encourage open conversations.

Ohana ZERO suicide are a group of like-minded individuals from all across Ireland with the goal to reduce the suicide rate by promoting, protecting and preserving life.

They have partnered with ZSA UK to bring free suicide awareness training to people by empowering them to identify suicidal behaviours, and to support those who are feeling vulnerable or suffering from mental health problems.

The Twenty2Zero campaign aims to end the stigma associated with suicide, encourage people to talk about the issue, and to intervene if loved ones, friends or strangers are believed to be at risk.

This free online suicide awareness training can be accessed via the website at www.ohana.ie, and is aimed at people from all walks of life.

Su Carty, a Director of Ohana ZERO suicide, said: “Suicide is a preventable death. Our goal is to empower communities and individuals throughout Ireland to help by being alert to the warning signs and helping those who are feeling suicidal to stay safe.

"Our suicide awareness training, with the simple tagline, ‘Show you Care, Ask the Question, Make the Call’, is designed to provide every person with the basic skills that will help to reduce suffering and save lives.

"By taking this short 20- to 40-minute training, we could be just minutes away from zero suicide.”

The campaign launch comes amidst experts’ concerns over isolation, anxiety and other mental health concerns intensified by Covid-19 restrictions and lockdown, reducing people’s social contact with others, including family members and friends.

Noelle McAlinden – a well-known educationalist, creative advisor and artist who is a native of Armagh but currently lives in Fermanagh – is helping to promote Ohana ZERO suicide's training in Fermanagh and beyond.

READ MORE: Event to help with healing and growth after suicide

Bereaved by suicide, tragically losing two precious sisters over a 21-year period, Noelle is committed to promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention with her innate empathy and compassion for others.

"I am proud to be a member of Team Ohana ZERO suicide, dedicated to suicide prevention across the island of Ireland," said Noelle.

"As a member of one of many families bereaved by suicide, I can see how completing this free online training is vital for supporting those feeling vulnerable or suicidal, our families, friends and communities at this unprecedented time.

"I urge you all to take up this opportunity. Together, we can save precious lives," she told this newspaper.

Ohana ZERO suicide is asking people to lend their social media feeds to the cause.

The time has come to not only talk about suicide as a public health issue, but to start taking action.

Ohana ZERO suicide is asking people and organisations to help spread the word about the free suicide prevention training using the hashtag,s #Twenty2Zero, and #OhanaZeroSuicide.