David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health, has responded to the devastating statistics released recently by NISRA, which showed a rise in the average number of people dying by suicide across Northern Ireland.
290 suicide deaths were registered in 2024, while the three-year average increased to 238.0. In 2017, this figure was 204.7, rising to 220.3 in 2022, showing a significant and extremely worrying trend over recent years.
David said:
“Every single death by suicide is a tragedy and is preventable. We are all deeply concerned and heartbroken to hear the latest suicide figures for Northern Ireland. It is important to remember that behind these figures are real people, and we must never forget the devastating impact on all those affected.
We are calling on every government department, every Minister and all our MLAs to work together to develop evidence-based responses, and to fully fund and deliver on the suicide prevention services envisioned within the Regional Mental Health Crisis Service, as well as other key actions identified in the Mental Health Strategy, such as properly funding and integrating the Voluntary & Community sector, who are often best placed to provide the support needed.
We know that people impacted by isolation and loneliness, and those impacted by poverty are at increased risk. Appropriate services and policies are needed to tackle these issues, on a cross departmental basis. This issue affects every part of society, and we must respond in a joined-up way to get people the support they need, when and where they need it.
Suicide remains the single biggest cause of death amongst men under the age of 50, and it is critical that we address the specific issues around male suicide. We must also ensure accessible services are available for men who are feeling excluded from traditional support networks.
We recognise that budgets are stretched, and indeed organisations like Action Mental Health are facing significant challenges. However, there cannot be any excuse to not prioritise this issue.
Action Mental Health works every day to help support people with mental health issues, and to provide resilience building skills to children, young people, and adults in our community. These skills are designed to help prepare people for life’s challenges and to give them positive coping skills – they are vital life skills, ensuring people know when and how to ask for help.
Without sustained funding from Government, these services and many others in the voluntary and community sector are at risk. We need action now, to protect services, but more importantly to give people hope.
For anyone, who is in crisis or distress, we would encourage them, or a loved one, to seek help immediately by calling Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. Help is available, and suicide can be prevented.”
