Protect Life 2 Action Plan and Implementation Plan published
Date published:
The Health Minister has launched the Protect Life 2 Action Plan and Implementation Plan for suicide prevention and reducing self-harm.
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 Mike Nesbitt 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.
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