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Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has announced that a regional 24/7 helpline for people in crisis is now available throughout Northern Ireland.
This is an important development in the delivery of the Suicide Prevention Strategy for Northern Ireland.
The helpline will cost approximately £3.5million each year to run and follows a successful pilot in north and west Belfast.
The helpline number is 0808 808 8000. The contract to provide the helpline and support services has been let to Contact Youth.
Callers will be able to speak to a trained counsellor. Additional support services are available and more will be put in place over the coming months to ensure that callers receive the back-up help they require.
In addition, £46million will be invested over the next three years in the provision of services in the community for those with mental health needs.
The Minister said:
“Suicide represents a tragic loss of life that is affecting too many people in our society. Sharing a problem is often the first step to recovery and it is vital that help of this kind is available. That is why I am announcing the launch of this regional helpline which will take calls from across Northern Ireland and from all age groups. A helpline has already been piloted in North and west Belfast and in a short time has played a crucial role in supporting callers in despair and in need of advice and support.
“The regional suicide prevention helpline will be a key element in meeting the objectives of the Suicide Prevention Strategy which aims to reduce the rate of suicide in Northern Ireland particularly among high risk groups such as young people. I will ensure that the helpline is evaluated during its first year to ensure that it is meeting its objectives.
“I can assure everyone that I am determined to do everything in my power to help reduce the levels of suicide in Northern Ireland, and that suicide prevention will remain a top priority for me and my Department. There are lives to be saved.”
The Minister continued:
“This development means that a total of over £6million has now been allocated each year to implement the suicide prevention strategy and take forward a range of initiatives aimed at reducing suicide rates.
“Other vital work is also underway including the establishment of crisis intervention teams, research into the underlying causes of suicide, GP training and ensuring that internet providers, and especially social networking sites, use their pages in a responsible way.
“Everyone has a part of part to play in helping to reduce the rates of suicide in our society. The onus is on us all, communities, voluntary organisations, the media, the statutory sector and society as a whole, to work together to achieve a reduction in our suicide rate.”
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