Write a comment
Councillors are urging the Minister for Health to develop a drug rehabilitation hub following the death of a young man at a Southern Trust psychiatric unit.
Seán Boyle (24) died on 1 June 2020 in intensive care after attempting suicide on 28 May, just 21 hours after being admitted to Craigavon Area hospital.
His mother Sinéad, is now campaigning with the support of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for Stormont to implement the Substance Use Strategy 2021-31 aimed at tackling addictions.
At the monthly meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council this week, Slieve Gullion Councillor, Mickey Larkin brought forward a motion, saying: “This evening I bring this motion with a lived experience, not by myself, but by the mother of young man Seán Boyle who took his own life in 2020.
“His mother, Sinéad is with us this evening and also Cllr Clare McConville-Walker from ABC (Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon) council, who are attempting to progress with this issue across the North.”
Seán’s death happened days after he was admitted to the Bluestone psychiatric unit.
The Southern Health Trust, which runs the unit, was at one point being investigated for corporate manslaughter.
An inquest in to the circumstances around the Dromintee’s man’s death is due to take place with a date yet to be confirmed.
The Trust has previously said it is unable to comment on specific issues around Seán’s death as the coroner carries out an investigation.
Cllr Larkin added: “Seán like so many of our young people fell into a circle of drugs, one which he and his mother fought so hard to get out of over the years.
“There was nothing they didn’t try, there was nothing they wouldn’t have been willing to try.
“Seán wanted his life back, he wanted people to listen to him and he repeatedly told his mummy, they were not listening.
“Seán’s story highlights the vicious circle of drugs and mental health issues, that eventually led to him taking his own life.
“Tonight, we are listening. We are listening with his mother, who with her strength and determination is trying to improve things for others who find themselves in the same situation as Seán did.
“I met Seán a number of times. He was a quiet, warm young man, the world was his oyster, it really was.
“But, Seán was in a dark place and was seeking help, but that help was not forth coming.”
The motion referred to the recent 2024, NISRA (Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency) report on drug-related and drug misuse deaths, found a significant increase in the number of deaths attributed to drugs and alcohol.
The NISRA figures also show that drug related deaths are highest among 25-34 year olds.
Seán had used drugs since he was a teenager and had been in hospital many times over the years of his addiction.
The Slieve Gullion rep said:”The 2021-31, Substance Use Strategy has 57 listed actions under five headings. We are asking that these are actioned to prevent the devastating loss of our young citizens.
“I know this will resonate with everyone in this chamber. You don’t have to look to far to see in our own communities the drug abuse and mental health issues are causing serious difficulties to many individuals and families.
“I do implore you all to support this motion and join in the campaign to see our drug rehabilitation services developed here in the North. This motion is for Seán Boyle. Hopefully it can make a difference.”
The Motion Residential Rehabilitation Service
This council notes with grave concern the 2024 report from NISRA on drug-related and drug misuse deaths, which found a significant increase in the number of deaths attributed to drugs and alcohol. This Council further notes the intrinsic connection between isolation, social deprivation, poverty, addiction and mental health issues.
This Council acknowledges with concern the NISRA figures which show that drug related deaths are highest among 25-34 year olds.
This Council calls on the Minister for Health, in co-operation with the Executive Ministerial Committee for Public Health, to urgently implement the provisions aimed at harm prevention, harm reduction and tackling addiction within the Substance Use Strategy 2021-31, including plans to develop a residential rehabilitation service in a regionally strategic location; and further calls on the Executive to commit to providing appropriate subsequent resources in the 2024-25 Budget for the Department of Health.
An amendment from Councillor Henry Reilly was also agreed asking the Trust's to provide an audit of all the services available across the Southern and South Eastern Trust.
