DUP MP vows to support DT Cool FM's bid for suicide prevention crisis centres
The DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson has said specialist facilities to help people in distress here could be considered by policy makers.
Last updated 22nd Feb 2018
Speaking at a mental health delegation in Westminster on Tuesday, the Lagan Valley MP said the concept 'is something we need to look at.'
As part of Downtown Cool FM's 'Invest in Life' campaign to secure more funding for mental health services in Northern Ireland, a petition was launched calling for suicide prevention crisis centres.
If successful, the centres would provide safe spaces in areas where suicide rates are high for people in distress or despair.
They would receive help and support as well as follow up care and referrals to mental health services.
Mr Donaldson said the idea is something that should be considered to help tackle high suicide rates here:
"Whilst in Great Britain suicide rates are reducing, in Northern Ireland they're increasing so I think the kind of idea you've suggested is something we need to look at.
"I think there is a very clear challenge when we listen to the stories, the personal experiences, it reminds us of how important it is not just to hear those stories but then to take the actions that are necessary to ensure that the resources are provided.
"That we have effective support services, effective treatment for mental health in Northern Ireland.
"One of the stark statistics, very worrying statistics that we've heard is that since the Belfast, Good Friday Agreement, more people have died in Northern Ireland as a result of suicide, than during the whole period of our troubled past and clearly we have to do something about that."
You can sign the petition here.
As part of a deal to prop up Theresa May's Tory government in June 2017, the DUP secured £50 million pounds in extra funding over 5 years for mental health services here.
The Lagan Valley MP said specialist centres could form part of that.
"It is welcome that additional funding is coming but clearly we need to ensure that that money is spent properly.
"We need to ensure that the money that is already allocated to mental health services actually is used for that purpose and develop a new strategy so that we learn from the lessons of the past and that the service we provide going forward is even better."
Mental health campaigners were at Westminster to discuss the suicide crisis in Northern Ireland.
They called for a new mental health strategy here, specialist trauma centres and the appointment of a mental health 'champion.'
Mr Donaldson said the problem needs tackled urgently in the absence of a Stormont Executive:
"I think we've heard today why it is so important that politicians like myself and those representing organisations involved in the provision of mental health services, carers and those who sufer from mental health problems, that we need to have a joined up approach.
"We need to be talking to the Secretary of State about where we are with a strategy for mental health, where we are with the appointment of a mental health champion and so we are going to take these issues forward now to the Secretary of State."