Health Minister Shaun Woodward met on 20^th June with families and relatives of young suicide victims at North and West Belfast Trust.

Mr Woodward said: "This is a very tragic issue which I have made a priority in the Department of Health. It demands that all of us work together to find better solutions to prevent suicide across the community.

"Northern Ireland is not unique in facing this problem. The rest of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are also facing the question of how to put into practice more effective strategies to prevent suicides. Between now and the end of the year, we will have a taskforce to look at best practices to see what we can learn to achieve a better strategy.

"No stone should be left unturned in our resolve to co-ordinate across government departments, voluntary agencies, charities, help lines and the media.

"Over the next few months we will be collating information from established groups as well as individuals, including the families who have lost loved ones and those who have self harmed. They may be able to offer a unique insight into this problem with practical proposals for the future.

"In early July I will be meeting with Tánaiste Mary Harney TD, on a number of health related issues in which suicide prevention will be a priority in our discussions. I hope by the end of August to organise a conference in Belfast, bringing together a number of professional parties and specialist groups, to address a suicide prevention strategy for Northern Ireland."

< back to Archive News