Durkan calls for dedicated North West suicide prevention task force

He has written to Health Minister Swann urging him to revisit his proposal for a dedicated Suicide Prevention Taskforce.

The Foyle MLA commented: “Two years ago, in the absence of a government here, I asked the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health to establish a Suicide Prevention Taskforce for the North West. Sadly that proposal was rejected.

“This week I wrote to the Health Minister, Robin Swann, asking him to revisit this idea which I believe could bring together senior Departmental and Trust officials, mental health experts, charities and community-based groups to identify and plug gaps in support and services.

“Despite the undoubted efforts of many, the publication of a new suicide prevention strategy, some but nowhere near enough investment and Executive commitments, there are still, in my view, clear and obvious shortcomings. This is not a criticism of the many dedicated people and organisations working hard every day to help people, to change lives and to save lives, rather it is in support of them.

“Mr Pengelly, in response to my initial letter, felt that the establishment of a suicide taskforce may undermine existing suicide prevention services here. However, I would argue that such a framework has the potential to compliment and cultivate such initiatives, including our hard-won Community Crisis Intervention Service whose presence in this city has been invaluable.”

Mr Durkan added: “This enhanced collaboration, in tandem with the Executive’s working group on mental health well-being and resilience, could be viewed as a pilot for potential roll out in other, similarly affected areas in future.

“Tackling poor mental health within our communities will prove an even more challenging prospect as we consider the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on society. As such, I sincerely hope that Minister Swann will reconsider my proposal.

“Too many lives have been lost and families devastated. We need to look after ourselves and look out for each other.”

**Lifeline can be contacted on 08088088000, Samaritans on 116123 and the Derry-based CCIS on 02871262300.