10 September 2019 – PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide welcomes today’s publication of the long-awaited ‘Protect Life 2’ new suicide strategy by Northern Ireland’s Department of Health and stands ready to work together with all parties working to prevent self-harm and reduce suicide.
“As a leading charity in prevention of young suicide we applaud this initiative and the Department’s pledge to substantially reduce suicide deaths,” said Ged Flynn PAPYRUS chief executive. “I am looking forward to working with colleagues at the World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention in Derry next week.
“By working together to deliver suicide prevention services and support we shall not only – and vitally – raise awareness that there is help available to all young people in Northern Ireland who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, but reduce the number of young deaths year on year. For every death by suicide there are families, friends and colleagues whose mental health is impacted by loss. PAPYRUS can help to prevent this.
For more details on the new ‘Protect Life 2 Strategy’ click here.
Editor’s Notes
In 2017 there were 305 suicides recorded in Northern Ireland, a suicide rate that is double that of the Republic.
The figure for the North in the years 2015-2017 was 16½ suicides per 100,000 of the population. This compares with eight suicides per 100,000 population in the Republic and nine in England.
Suicide is the main cause of death in young people under 35 in the UK. Every year over 1,600 take their own lives. PAPYRUS believes that many are preventable. The charity provides practical advice and support – how to cope, what to say and do – to young people and others concerned that a young person may be at risk of killing themselves.
For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice contact PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 tel 0800 068 41 41 text 07860 039967 email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Editorial contact for more information
Rosemary Vaux
PAPYRUS Press Office
mobile 07799 863 321
tel 020 8943 5343
