Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Letter calls for fightback on suicide crisis
Swann urged to act by Conlan & fellow stars
TOP sports stars are among famous names supporting the call for suicide to be declared a public health emergency in Northern Ireland.
An average of six people take their lives here every week – a higher rate than anywhere on these islands.
And boxer Michael Conlan decided to step up the fight for help with an open letter calling for “practical steps” to be taken.
He said: “What we’re asking Minister [Robin] Swann for is funding for mental health charities to be doubled.
“It’s something which he could do instantly with a click of his fingers.”
Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, the North Belfast man added: “The waiting times to see a mental health professional is, I think, around seven months.
“It’s crazy. I don’t think you should have to wait one day.”
The letter welcomed the return of the Stormont institutions and the appointment of Mr Swann as Health Minister.
It called for funding for counselling to be doubled and for no one to have to wait more than 28 days for an appointment.
Among those giving their backing is Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody who said: “I wanted to support it because I’ve been through my own stuff with mental health and I know what it can do, how it can affect people.
“The main two points is we bring our funding alongside the funding for England – 12% of their health budget goes towards mental health, 6% of ours.
“We need to double it to get it in line with that.
“Then cutting down the waiting times as well is important.
“You hear horror stories of concerned parents phoning in about a kid, where they’re waiting months and months, and the worst happens. The thing they feared happens.”
Other boxers who signed were Carl Frampton, Paddy Barnes and Steven Ward.
Footballer James Mcclean, Ulster Rugby’s Andrew Trimble, actors Barry Keoghan and Roisin Gallagher, Ryan Hennessy of rock band Picture This and Derry singer-songwriter SOAK also added their names.
Dozens of academics, media personalities and representatives from the community and voluntary sectors all lent their support.
Mr Swann has said suicide prevention is a top priority for the new Executive.
He added the Protect Life 2 strategy will be fully implemented as soon as possible.
■ Anyone in distress should call the Samaritans on 116 123. The free number is available 24-7.
It’s crazy. I don’t think you should have to wait one day MICHAEL CONLAN ON WAITING TIMES