McGimpsey supports World Suicide Prevention Day

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling suicide and self-harm.

Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day, the Minister said that tackling suicide and self-harm would continue to be a key priority for his Department.

Mr McGimpsey said: “Suicide is a tragic loss of life, which leaves its own terrible legacy. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix; we must take a long-term view if we are to make real progress in combating the problem of suicide.”

In recent years, the rate of suicide in Northern Ireland has been increasing. In 2009, a total of 260 registered suicides were recorded, of which 205 were in males.

The Minister said: “Since I established ‘Lifeline’ in January 2008, there have been over 189,000 calls to the service. This 24/7 helpline currently receives an average of 1,500 calls per week and makes around 300 referrals to associated wraparound services, including counselling, mentoring, befriending and complementary therapies.

“Earlier this year, I opened Lifeline’s new regional offices, including a therapy centre, in North Belfast. The services they provide are all paramount in helping to reduce suicide in our society.”

Focussing on young people, the Minister continued: “I have also asked the Public Health Agency to take forward a One-Stop-Shop project for young people. Pilot projects are already up and running in North Down and Ards, Enniskillen, Banbridge and East Antrim. These provide information, advice, support and signposting to young people and families affected by substance misuse and related issues such as mental health and wellbeing and suicide and self-harm.”

Referring to the new Regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient unit at Forster Green, Mr McGimpsey highlighted the specialist inpatient services it will provide for children and young people with mental health problems. He added:

“The £15.6 million unit provides 33 inpatient beds and a further five daycase beds for children and adolescents with mental health problems. The facility will make a real difference to young people, treating a full range of mental health issues such as eating disorders and depression and providing specialist support for young people displaying suicidal tendencies.”

Concluding, the Minister said: “On today, World Suicide Prevention Day, I would encourage anyone who is in crisis or despair to talk to someone they trust. You are not alone. Sharing a problem is often the first step to recovery and help is available.”

Notes to editors:

1. World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September promotes worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. It is an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and it co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is an opportunity for all sectors of the community to join with the IASP and WHO to focus public attention on promoting understanding about suicide and highlight effective activities.

2. The DHSSPS suicide prevention strategy “Protect Life” was published in October 2006. It was developed with input from the statutory, voluntary and public sectors, and from church representatives and bereaved families. The Strategy aims to reduce the overall Northern Ireland suicide rate by 15% by 2011, from a baseline of 12.6 per 100,000 of our population.

3. The “Protect Life” Strategy’s action plan identifies specific actions within a dual and targeted approach to help address the high rates of suicide and self-harm in our local communities. The population approach seeks to tackle the issue of suicide in a wider context, with actions aimed at protecting the general population of Northern Ireland and implementing upstream interventions to build emotional resilience.

4. Total Suicide Prevention funding by the Department of Health, Social Service and Public Safety is £6.7 million per annum. This includes £3.2m for ‘Protect Life’ implementation and £3.5m for Lifeline, and over £2m of this funding goes to provide additional support services in the voluntary/community sectors.

5. In the 2009/10 financial year, £3.5million was allocated to Contact Youth. Almost £600,000 of this funding is ring-fenced for the provision of ‘wraparound’ support services by local community and voluntary organisations.

6. Press enquiries to DHSSPS press office on 028 9052 0074. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.