Speaking during the third meeting of the Five Nations Suicide Prevention Working Group at Stormont, the Minister said that suicide and self harm respected no borders.
The Minister said: “Many of the issues we are facing in Northern Ireland will also be challenges for our colleagues in England, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland. I believe it is vital that we share learning and best practice among our close neighbours – not just to try and reduce the numbers of suicides but to ensure we have the right support services in place for people who desperately need help.”
Among the items discussed were the impact the internet can have on young people in crisis. The Minister added:
“I am very concerned about the impact the internet can have on vulnerable people, especially at times of crisis in their lives. Today’s meeting allows me to urge our colleagues in the other local jurisdictions to join us in a campaign to force internet providers to take their responsibilities seriously.
“While I welcome recent moves by some of the providers to increase the promotion of positive mental health through their websites, I still believe that much more can be done to restrict access to sites carrying dangerous messages in relation to suicide.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy, “ Protect Life- A Shared Vision”, was published on 30 October 2006, and it contains over 60 actions. £3 million has been allocated recurrently by the DHSSPSNI to assist with the strategy’s implementation.
- Between 2000 and 2004 there have been approximately 150 deaths by suicide. In 2006 there were 291 suicides recorded.
- The NI Suicide Prevention Strategy recognises the benefits from sharing with and learning from best practice, and in particular being able to draw on the experiences of the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. To this end, an All-Island action plan has been developed, and a Five Nations Working Group has also been established to assist with this objective.
- Today’s meeting is the third meeting of the Five Nations Working Group, and previous meetings were held in Glasgow and Dublin. The Group is chaired by Caroline Farquhar, who is Head of Implementation for Scotland’s Choose Life Suicide Prevention Strategy.
- Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90520505 or 07870562430, out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
Photographs are available to download at dhsspsni photogallery
