NI Suicide Rate Remains High

The suicide rate in Northern Ireland remains "stubbornly high", according to Health Minister Michelle O'Neill.

There are approximately 280 deaths each year and the rate rose in 2015.

Minister O'Neill said we must continue to work together across government and other sectors to reduce the rate.

She said: "I have no doubt that, through the unstinting efforts of community groups and statutory services, lives have been saved. However, every life lost is one too many and we must continue to work together across government and other sectors to reduce the incidence of suicide.

"There remains a strong health inequality aspect to suicide - in deprived areas, suicide is three times more prevalent than in the least deprived areas, while the incidence of self-harm is four times higher. Men continue to be three times more likely to die by suicide than women. This health inequality is something that I am determined to address and we must focus our resources on tackling the differential."

As part of all-island co-operation on suicide prevention, she met with Mary Lou McDonald TD, all-Ireland spokesperson on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, to discuss areas of mutual concern.

The Health Minister also met with community representatives from Belfast who have raised concerns regarding the pressures felt by voluntary and community sector organisations providing suicide prevention services. Minister O'Neill opened a major 'Future Search' suicide prevention in Belfast workshop at the Titanic Centre. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has consulted on a new model for the Lifeline service and the Minister is considering the PHA consultation report on the proposed future model and options for the commissioning and delivery of the Lifeline service.

(CD/MH)