Suicide is preventable
Suicide is preventable. As a society, we have a responsibility to ensure that young people, adults, teachers, parents and carers alike, within our community, have the opportunity to discuss the subject of mental health in an open, frank and honest way. We want to inspire, motivate and educate people with our positive message. So how do we help? And can you help, too? Please take the time to read about the work that Mind Skills Training does.
Philip McTaggarts Story
Prior to his son’s death from suicide in 2003, Phillip McTaggart was a hard working builder whose sole purpose in life was to provide for his family. He was utterly devastated when his seventeen-year-old son (PIP) ended his own life. Traumatised and grief-stricken after this heart-breaking loss, he battled with guilt as he tried to understand what had led to his son’s death. But no answers were easily forthcoming. Whilst seeking help and guidance, he soon realised that suicide was a taboo subject that many people shied away from.
Philip founded PIPS (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide and Self-harm) in 2003, a few short weeks after his son’s death, and further helped set up two dedicated prevention centres in North Belfast. Having completed a ‘Train the Trainer’ course at Kingston College in Dublin and a ‘Personal and Business Life Coach’ course he then set about creating awareness in the local community about the causes and repercussions of suicide and mental health. Over time, he also travelled around Ireland, London, Boston, Chicago and Paris to highlight the issues of suicide and to promote positive mental health, encouraging people to break down the barriers and stigma, which stop people from seeking help.
One of the proudest achievements for Philip and other family members was setting up the suicide implementation strategy named ‘Protect Life’, Lifeline and the card before you leave.
Phillip is dedicated to helping save lives by preventing suicides. It is his vocation to encourage people of all ages to seek help and talk about how they feel.
He wants to share his experience and the training he has built up over the years because he genuinely believes he can help make the community a safer and better place to live.