He was speaking after a meeting with representatives from the Suicide Strategy Implementation Body and the Families Forum.
Mr McGimpsey said: “Suicide is a terrible tragedy that affects too many people in our society. I am determined to give the Suicide Prevention Strategy the attention and commitment it deserves. There are lives to be saved.
“Bereaved families have played an invaluable role in the implementation of the Strategy to date and I commend their strength and dedication in driving this agenda forward. They must continue to have a strong voice. We can learn so much from their experience.”
The Minister continued: “Evidence suggests that that poor mental health is a contributory factor in many suicides. I have already announced that mental health must, and will, be a top priority. We must continue to look for new and innovative ways of reaching out to people who desperately need help.”
Following the meeting with the Minister, Ann McGarrigle, Chair of the Families Forum said: “The Families Forum fully welcomes the promise of commitment that Michael McGimpsey has made. The full and effective implementation of the Strategy is crucial especially considering that suicide figures are on the rise. We need to get to the root of the problem. Children and young people especially need support – in school, at home and with friends.
“The Families Forum will soon be meeting to shape our thinking on the future way forward for suicide prevention in Northern Ireland and look forward to working with Minister McGimpsey on the crucially important issue of protecting life.”
Notes to Editors:
1. Until recently there have been about 150 suicides each year in Northern Ireland, with over 40% being young men aged under 35 years.
2. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of suicides, with 291suicides recorded in 2006.
3. Over the five year period 2000/01 to 2004/05, the number of admissions to hospital as a result of self-harm has increased by 2.7% from 4,583 to 4,705.
4. “Protect Life – A Shared Vision”, the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy, was launched on 30 October 2006, following an extensive consultation and engagement process.
5. £3million has been allocated for the implementation of the Suicide Prevention Strategy this year.
6. Following the development of the draft NI Suicide Prevention Strategy, in which families bereaved by suicide played an important role, a Families Forum was established in August 2006 to ensure that bereaved families would continue to have a powerful voice in the implementation of the Strategy.
7. For all media queries, please contact Jenny Magill DHSSPS Information Office on 02890 520575.
