Seventh meeting of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention group

Date published: 13 March 2026

During the meeting, Ministers heard from Ellen Finlay, Samaritans Development and Policy Officer for Northern Ireland, who discussed research commissioned by the charity in relation to poverty, inequality and suicidality in Northern Ireland.

The research provides an understanding of the socio-economic drivers of suicide in NI across economic, political, social and cultural domains. It finds that to address these structural risk factors, a cross-government approach is essential. 

Speaking after the meeting, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: 

“Since taking office, I have made tackling health inequalities one of my key areas of focus. I have also been clear that this goes beyond my Department and requires cross-department collaboration.

“That is particularly the case around tackling mental health issues and suicide. Effective suicide prevention requires a collaborative approach across government and all sectors of society and this group is a key facilitator of this shared approach. The recent increase in deaths by suicide underlines the need to tackle social determinants in suicide prevention work and reinvigorate our efforts across Departments.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Samaritans for highlighting this crucial issue. I greatly value the contribution that Samaritans make to suicide prevention both in terms of the provision of the listening ear service and indeed to shaping policy and improving outcomes in Northern Ireland and beyond.”

Discussions were also held on plans to introduce suicide awareness training across the Northern Ireland Civil Service. Plans are being developed to deliver a suicide awareness training package in the coming months. It will initially be rolled out in the Department of Health, before being extended to other Departments.