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30/10/2006
Suicide Prevention Strategy for NI launched
The Suicide Prevention Strategy for Northern Ireland has today been launched.
During the launch, Health Minister Paul Goggins also announced the creation of a 24-hour pilot helpline 0808 808 8000 for North and West Belfast, that commences from today.
Mr Goggins added that an additional £600,000 is to be given to help tackle suicide prevention, bringing the total spending in Northern Ireland up to £3 million next year - £1.1 million more than this year.
‘Protect Life - a shared Vision’ was launched for consultation earlier this year, and the consultation process is now complete.
During that time the Minister has set up a Families Forum and a Suicide Strategy Implementation Body, which includes bereaved relatives and community workers.
Speaking to bereaved families at the Farset Centre, Belfast, the Minister updated them on time-scales of the various initiatives proposed in the strategy. These include:
“The publication of this strategy is important, but it is only the start. Success will take time, and must and will be accompanied by wider action to promote positive mental health.
“While money alone will not solve this problem, I am pleased today to be able to announce that an additional £600,000 will bring spending on suicide prevention up to £3 million next year.”
Turning specifically to the content of the strategy Mr Goggins said: “I fervently hope that the action we are taking today will get to the heart of the problem. There are lives to be saved. People, especially young people, need a friendly voice, a listening ear. That is why the helpline, available throughout the day and night is so important. That is why the mentoring is so important. GP’s need to recognise people at risk, people need to have support and someone to turn to in the community for counselling when necessary. I am confident that the strategy will help make sure that happens.”
In recent years, 150 people have committed suicide in Northern Ireland, with just over 40% of these being young men aged under 35 years.
It is understood that the suicide rate is rising significantly at present.
(EF)
During the launch, Health Minister Paul Goggins also announced the creation of a 24-hour pilot helpline 0808 808 8000 for North and West Belfast, that commences from today.
Mr Goggins added that an additional £600,000 is to be given to help tackle suicide prevention, bringing the total spending in Northern Ireland up to £3 million next year - £1.1 million more than this year.
‘Protect Life - a shared Vision’ was launched for consultation earlier this year, and the consultation process is now complete.
During that time the Minister has set up a Families Forum and a Suicide Strategy Implementation Body, which includes bereaved relatives and community workers.
Speaking to bereaved families at the Farset Centre, Belfast, the Minister updated them on time-scales of the various initiatives proposed in the strategy. These include:
- new 24-hour pilot helpline immediately operating in North & West Belfast
- launch of mentoring scheme in Western Board area in November
- GP awareness training programme developed by December 2006
“The publication of this strategy is important, but it is only the start. Success will take time, and must and will be accompanied by wider action to promote positive mental health.
“While money alone will not solve this problem, I am pleased today to be able to announce that an additional £600,000 will bring spending on suicide prevention up to £3 million next year.”
Turning specifically to the content of the strategy Mr Goggins said: “I fervently hope that the action we are taking today will get to the heart of the problem. There are lives to be saved. People, especially young people, need a friendly voice, a listening ear. That is why the helpline, available throughout the day and night is so important. That is why the mentoring is so important. GP’s need to recognise people at risk, people need to have support and someone to turn to in the community for counselling when necessary. I am confident that the strategy will help make sure that happens.”
In recent years, 150 people have committed suicide in Northern Ireland, with just over 40% of these being young men aged under 35 years.
It is understood that the suicide rate is rising significantly at present.
(EF)
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06 July 2015
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30 March 2006
Suicide rate rises almost 50% in NI
Figures on the suicide rate in Northern Ireland have revealed an almost 50% increase on the numbers committing suicide last year. Figures released by the General Register’s Office revealed that 213 people took their own lives in 2005.
Suicide rate rises almost 50% in NI
Figures on the suicide rate in Northern Ireland have revealed an almost 50% increase on the numbers committing suicide last year. Figures released by the General Register’s Office revealed that 213 people took their own lives in 2005.
24 September 2007
Adams Calls For Suicide Prevention Strategy
Gerry Adams has called for an alliance between the North and South governments to create a strategy in tackling suicide. The president of Sinn Fein spoke to a conference held by the party at Stormont, demanding that suicide prevention be pushed to the top of the Executive's policy agenda.
Adams Calls For Suicide Prevention Strategy
Gerry Adams has called for an alliance between the North and South governments to create a strategy in tackling suicide. The president of Sinn Fein spoke to a conference held by the party at Stormont, demanding that suicide prevention be pushed to the top of the Executive's policy agenda.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Dry start on east coast otherwise cloudy with outbreaks of rain accompanied by strong southerly winds. Some heavy rain later, with some short lived very hevay squally bursts, then western and central areas turning clearer and less windy. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Remaining rain in east quickly clearing this evening then a dry evening and night with long clear periods and lighter winds. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
