Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has welcomed the publication of the hugely important Protect Life 2 Action Plan and Implementation Plan for suicide prevention and reducing self-harm.

Alan Chambers said, “Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. It’s a tragedy for the individual, but also for their family and all their loved ones. We must always remember that suicide is preventable; it is never inevitable.

“It is our collective responsibility to reduce and, hopefully, one day eliminate suicide. We as individuals, members of our communities and public representatives must always move forward with the ethos that effective prevention is a collective responsibility.

“Tackling our poor rates of suicide and self-harm is an issue far too important for Departments, statutory agencies and other stakeholders to work in isolation from one another. There can be no room or opportunity for silo thinking.

“Having read the published plans, it’s clear that the Minister has listened to the outcome of the independent review and widespread stakeholder engagement. I fully agree with the whole government approach being adopted and reflected across a number of the actions within the plans. I am confident that the revised plans will greatly enhance the ongoing efforts to reduce suicide and self-harm.”