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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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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
