Executive Working Group on Mental Wellbeing, Resilience and Suicide Prevention

Date published: 4 March 2020

The Group agreed Terms of Reference and received an update on the very successful Multi Agency Triage Team project, other cross Departmental projects and also on a range of initiatives taking place across the Executive to support mental wellbeing and suicide prevention.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “Mental wellbeing and suicide prevention are key priorities for me and for the Executive and I hope the establishment of this newly formed Executive group will go some way to increasing public confidence that we take the issues seriously. This cross Departmental approach is essential to address suicide.

“Suicide is preventable. The feelings that drive people towards taking their lives are often temporary. With the right support people can get through a suicide crisis – and recover and live well afterwards.

“In advance of today’s meeting, all Executive Ministers committed to completing the Zero Suicide Alliance’s Suicide Prevention Training package – ‘Suicide Let’s Talk’. The training involves a 20 minute video, and enables people to identify when someone is presenting with suicidal thoughts or behaviour, to be able to speak out in a supportive manner and also to signpost individuals to the correct services and support.”

This training is currently being rolled out in Health and Social Care Trusts and is equally applicable for any public-facing service.

In conclusion, the Minister said: “I look forward to working with my colleagues across the Executive to bring about the implementation of the Protect Life 2 Strategy.

“We were all very impressed with the content, which ties in closely to the objectives of Protect Life 2 and demonstrates the Executive’s commitment to addressing suicide prevention.”