Suicide is a major public health issue. Every death by suicide has devastating impacts for bereaved family and friends, affecting wider communities and society as a whole.

 

The causes of suicide are complex, but we know that a number of factors, including trauma, abuse, poverty, unemployment, and discrimination in its various forms increase the risk of death by suicide. Addressing poverty, social inequality and discrimination in our society is essential to addressing increased risk of death by suicide, especially for people living in disadvantaged communities.

 

New Script for Mental Health responded to Órlaithí Flynn MLA’s Private Member’s Suicide Prevention Training Bill consultation which proposes a statutory duty on public sector employers to provide mandatory training in suicide prevention to all frontline staff.

 

The proposed aims of the bill are considered in the context of what is currently provided for as part of the Protect Life 2 Suicide Prevention Strategy (PL2). New Script's response outlines several key actions that would need to accompany this proposal and advocates for a rights-based approach to suicide prevention to tackle the root causes of emotional distress and suicidality.