30 October 2006
GOGGINS LAUNCHES SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGY FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
Health Minister Paul Goggins today launched the Suicide Prevention Strategy for Northern Ireland.
In doing so, he also announced the creation of a 24-hour pilot helpline in North and West Belfast, commencing from today. The telephone number is 0808 808 8000. The Minister also revealed that an additional £600,000 has been found to help tackle suicide prevention. That will bring spending up to three million next year, £1.1 million above what it is 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 timescales 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
Paul Goggins said: "Much work has gone into this strategy to get it right. For the first time we have got a solid bond between people working at community, voluntary, statutory and government levels. And we would not have reached this point if it had not been for the commitment, dedication and inspiration provided by many bereaved families and the organisations that support them.
"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."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- In Northern Ireland in recent years there have been about 150 suicides each year and just over 40% of these are young men aged under 35 years. There is evidence that the suicide rate is rising significantly at present.
- For further information please contact Philip Maguire DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0636 mobile 07788 108657.
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