Lifeline is a free crisis response helpline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week across Northern Ireland. All calls are answered by trained counsellors who are experienced in dealing with suicide, self-harm, abuse, trauma, depression and anxiety.
The Minister said: “I established Lifeline in January 2008 in order to help alleviate the suffering of the many people in crisis across Northern Ireland. In its first year Lifeline has already taken a total of 55,357 calls.
“At a time of continuing high levels of suicide in our local communities, Lifeline has proved to be an invaluable additional source of support for people in distress.
“Lifeline staff are available 24/7 to listen and provide help and support in the strictest confidence. Calls are answered by trained counsellors who are experienced in dealing with suicide, self-harm, abuse, trauma, depression and anxiety.
“Counsellors can also put callers in contact with follow-up services to ensure they receive the best possible response to their needs. In fact over the past year, over 4,000 people attended sessions such as face to face counselling, complementary therapy and befriending or mentoring.”
Commenting on recent figures released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), which include the provisional number of deaths as a result of suicide, the Minister said: “Provisional figures indicate that tragically 282 deaths by suicide were recorded during 2008. This equates to a 16.5% increase on the previous year.
“Unfortunately there is no quick fix to tackling this issue, but with the help of our local suicide prevention strategy and the regional helpline, I am committed to doing everything in my power to address this problem. The prevention of suicide remains a top priority for me and my department.”
Notes to Editors
- The Lifeline telephone number is 0808 808 8000.
- A total investment of £6.7million has been made available in this financial year for implementation of the Suicide Prevention Strategy ‘Protect Life – A Shared Vision’, including £3.5million for the Lifeline service.
- There were a total of 291 deaths by suicide recorded in 2006, 242 in 2007, and 282 provisionally recorded for 2008. Of the 282 suicides (provisionally recorded) in 2008, 98 actually occurred in 2008 with the remainder occurring in earlier years.
- When a death is suspected to be a suicide, it is referred to a coroner and goes through a formal inquest. The inquest can take time and as a result, there is often a period of time between the actual death and when it is registered.
- Media enquiries should be directed to the DHSSPS press office on 028 9052 0579, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
