The Health Minister has launched the Protect Life 2 Action Plan
and Implementation Plan for suicide prevention and reducing
self-harm.
A review of the Protect Life 2 Action Plan, which was undertaken
by independent consultants, commenced in 2024 and involved
receiving feedback from various stakeholders through surveys and
a series of workshops.
The review recommended that the new Action Plan is themed into
five areas:
- Whole of government and society approach
- Awareness and prevention
- Supporting compassionate approaches to suicide
- Supporting compassionate approaches to self-harm
- Research, evidence and planning.
Health Minister welcomed the launch of the
plans, saying: “I believe every suicide
is preventable, right up to the point of completion, and each of
us must take every step possible to ensure anyone experiencing a
crisis can access the urgent support they require. I welcome the
publishing of these plans today, which include over 80 measures
aimed at saving lives, providing early intervention and offering
support to those who need it.
“Suicide affects all sectors of society, and requires a
whole of government approach. It was therefore essential that we
had support from right across the Executive. I
also want to
acknowledge the contributions from bereaved families
during this review, whose advocacy and support has turned
personal tragedy into a benefit for others.”
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael McBride also
welcomed the launch. He said: “As Chair of the Protect
Life 2 Steering Group, I am pleased these plans have been
published, which have been informed by stakeholders across
Northern Ireland. There are a number of actions and deliverables
within the plans which will substantially enhance our efforts to
reduce suicide and self-harm.
“It is vital we offer support where it is needed, so
fewer friends and families go through the heartbreak of losing
someone to suicide.”
While funding of around £300,000 has been secured for year one of
the Action Plan, funding has not yet been secured for future
years. Year one funding will be used to raise awareness and
support local work in delivering the Protect Life Strategy
actions across Northern Ireland. Full implementation of the
action and implementation plans will require additional funding.
More information on looking after mental health and the support
which is available across Northern Ireland can be found at
www.mindingyourhead.info.
If you or someone you know is in distress or despair, call
Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. This is a confidential service where
trained counsellors will listen and help immediately on the phone
and follow up with other support if necessary. The helpline is
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also access
the Lifeline website at www.lifelinehelpline.info.
Notes to editors:
- The Action Plan and Implementation Plan are available at:
Protect Life 2 - Suicide
Prevention Strategy | Department of Health
- The new Action Plan has been developed following a review
which was undertaken by independent consultants: Review of Protect Life 2
Action Plan - Report & Recommendations
- Protect Life 2 is the cross-departmental strategy for
preventing suicide and self-harm. It follows on from the original
strategy published in 2006 and refreshed in 2012.
- Some of the key initiatives within the Action Plan
include: Public awareness campaigns; reduction of suicide at
high risk locations; provision of timely and accessible crisis
services including the Lifeline helpline; embedding of safety
plans for those who have suicidal ideation; ongoing surveillance
and continued support for research.
