AQW 37807/22-27


Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast


Tabled Date: 08/01/2026
Answered On Date: 23/01/2026
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the November 2025 NISRA Suicide Statistics 2024 report, including (i) any additional actions to be taken; and (ii) any additional funding to be allocated towards suicide prevention.


Answer:
I am acutely aware of the devastating impact of each and every suicide, not only in lives lost but also the impact on loved ones and communities. I believe that every suicide is preventable up to the point of completion, so while we may set realistic targets, the only acceptable number is zero.
In light of the high levels of suicide recorded in 2024 I recently directed the lifting of the embargo of awareness raising for the Lifeline service. The ‘Talking Really Helps’ mass media campaign will run until March 2026. I would wish to emphasise that for anyone who is in distress or despair, the Lifeline helpline is available free of charge 24 hours a day, 7 days a week where trained counsellors are available to take your call on 0808 808 8000. A bid is also being considered for further awareness raising in the coming year.
It is disappointing to note the further increase in the numbers of recorded suicide deaths. I am particularly concerned by the 3 year rolling average showing a small upward trend. This average is much more accurate than looking at single year differences which can have bigger fluctuations from year to year. The 3 year average has remained very stable for a long time. Any increase in that is concerning and highlights we must redouble our efforts to provide support to those most in need.
We continue to see suicide as the leading cause of death in men under 50 and 79% of all suicide deaths registered in 2024 were male.
Of particular concern is the increase in suicide of those aged over 65. It is very clear that further support is required for those in older age groups
It is also worth highlighting that in the suicide deaths recorded in 2024: 61% were single, 8% were divorced and 6% were widowed. Family is a very strong protective factor against suicide where early support can be provided.
Despite our strategic approach focusing on reducing the differential between the most deprived communities and the least deprived it is also very concerning to see the disparity widening between suicides registered in the most deprived and the least deprived areas in 2024.
With regard to Protect Life 2 we will continue to focus resource on the most deprived communities. However, I recognise that many of the issues affecting those in the most deprived communities are outside the direct control of this Department. This underlines the importance of a cross government approach to the issue and full delivery of the action plan which cuts across all Departments.
Bids have been made for additional funding to support the implementation of our action plans with a particular focus on Under 18 postvention, enhancement of self harm intervention programme and awareness raising for future years.