Strategy for suicide crisis should not be delayed: MLA
AN MLA whose sister died by suicide has said a new strategy to tackle the crisis cannot wait on political agreement.
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan was speaking after the Chief Medical Officer said the initiative — Protect Life 2 — has been finalised but can’t be published without ministerial endorsement. Dr Michael McBride said all options were being explored to progress the issue.
Mr Durkan’s sister Gay took her own life in 2011. He said the lack of progress was a consequence of the political impasse.
“It is a damning indictment of politics here that a significant step towards tackling the scourge of suicide cannot be taken due to the deadlock between the DUP and Sinn Fein,” he said.
“An important suicide prevention strategy is gathering dust in an empty minister’s office while those parties are still squaring up to each rather than stepping up for everyone else.
“The failure to implement this strategy is nothing short of disgraceful. This needs signed off and rolled out.
“The strategy, like a government, is not going to wave a magic wand and let everyone live happily ever after, but it should make a real difference and would save lives.”
Dr McBride added: “The new strategy, Protect Life 2, has been finalised but to date we have been unable to publish this without ministerial endorsement.
“The department is currently exploring all options to progress the strategy, and to enable further development of Protect Life services to support those most vulnerable in our society.
“It would be totally wrong and misleading to suggest that support for those who need it is being compromised because of any delay in its publication.
“This strategy remains in place and its budget is protected. The Public Health Agency continues to invest over £8million a year to deliver suicide prevention, and emotional health and wellbeing services.”
If you or anyone else is affected by issues in this article, contact the Samaritans free on 11 6123 or Lifeline on 080 8808 8000