SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has urged the Executive to recognise the clear link between poverty and rising suicide rates.
He called for the immediate implementation of an effective anti-poverty strategy to address the crisis in deprived communities.
Following the launch of Samaritans report ‘Lost Futures: Poverty, Inequality, and Suicidality in Northern Ireland’ looking at the impact of economic and social inequalities, Mr Durkan said:
“It will come as no surprise, indeed to many in the North West, that the rates of suicide are three times higher in areas of deprivation. The last few years have been extremely difficult for so many; people have endured a pandemic, cost of living crisis, political collapse and cut after cut to welfare support. Disadvantaged areas are becoming worse off, serving only to deepen existing inequalities.
“Financial hardship can take a devastating toll on mental health, leaving people feeling trapped, hopeless, and unable to see a way out.
“The alarming rise in suicide rates across the North within that context, is clearer.
“The loss of 221 lives to suicide in 2023, an 8% increase from the previous year demands urgent attention from the Executive. Yet, this devastating statistic has barely been acknowledged in the Assembly, let alone been met with decisive action.
“More lives have now been lost to suicide than during the Troubles. While bombs and bullets no longer dominate our headlines, mental ill-health, alongside substance misuse, has become the greatest threat to our communities. The failure to address this crisis is inexcusable.
“Despite opportunities to strengthen suicide prevention measures, the Executive has instead watered down efforts to set meaningful targets.
“The Protect Life 2 strategy, launched with much fanfare, has been extended for three years without proper political scrutiny. Worse still, current frameworks fail to acknowledge that suicide rates are higher in deprived areas.
“This is a public health crisis that demands cross-departmental action. The Health Minister, the Communities Minister and the Executive must make suicide prevention a top priority and I want to see greater focus on the links with poverty addressed by the incoming Anti-Poverty Strategy.
”No family should have to endure the preventable and heart-breaking loss of a loved one due to a lack of support and economic opportunity.”
