Executive Working Group on Mental Wellbeing, Resilience and Suicide Prevention

The first meeting of the newly formed Executive Working Group on Mental Wellbeing, Resilience and Suicide Prevention took place today.

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.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Executive Working Group on Mental Wellbeing, Resilience and Suicide will meet on a quarterly basis. The next meeting is expected to take place in June 2020.
2. All Ministers are represented on the Working Group.
3. The Group will monitor and report on progress of relevant departmental actions.
4. To Group will also examine wider progress in relation to the implementation of the Protect Life 2 Strategy.
5. Media queries to DoH Information Office on 028 90 520579, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110 and your call will be returned.
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