I am heartbroken and deeply concerned about today’s suicide figures, which show a rise in the average number of suicide deaths in Northern Ireland. Each death represents a tragedy, and my thoughts are with all those affected.
Every Department has a role to play in suicide prevention. I am calling on our Ministers and MLAs to work together to deliver evidence-based policies to prevent suicide across society, and to fully deliver community suicide prevention services within the Regional Mental Health Crisis Service, which was promised in 2021.
The three-year rolling average number of registered suicides rose from 204.7 in 2017 to 220.3 in 2020 and 2022 and rose again to 238.0 in 2024.
290 suicides were registered in 2024. A death can only be registered as a suicide following investigation by a coroner, and this process can take many months or years. It is important to note that only 87 of the 290 deaths registered in 2024 occurred in 2024. The age standardised mortality rate for 2024 in Northern Ireland was 17.4 per 100,000 population. This is higher than the rate for the other UK regions and Ireland. However, again, the figures represent the deaths registered, rather than the deaths that occurred in that year. Furthermore, there are differences in how the other regions collect and record their data.
I am calling for an urgent robust response to support people who are suicidal. I want to see Community and Voluntary Sector suicide prevention services across NI, as part of the Regional Mental Health Crisis Service. As specified in the Regional Mental Health Crisis Service policy these services would provide short-term (up to 14 days) compassionate, person-centred support directly following an initial presentation, for people who are in suicidal crisis who do not need psychiatric care.
Over half of the deaths registered in recent years had a marital status of single, and 1 in 5 registered suicide death were people over 60. Suicide remains the leading cause of death in males under 50 in NI (accounting for 21.9% of deaths). Almost 8 in 10 of the 290 suicide deaths registered in 2024 were males. We know that men are less likely to discuss their feelings and ask for help. It is important to address harmful male stereotypes from an early age and ensure that accessible services are available for men who can feel isolated and excluded from traditional wellbeing supports.
Poverty is associated with suicide, and 28.3% of the suicides registered in 2024 were in the most deprived quintile. To address this, we need the delivery of a robust Anti-Poverty Strategy to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis and ensure that people who depend on welfare support have the resources they need to live with dignity.
I am also calling for social and emotional learning, the foundation of resilience and wellbeing, to be included in our school curriculum. All pupils should be taught skills to help them understand and manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Action is also needed to support care experienced young people, and to improve the lives of marginalised people who tend to have higher suicide rates, including disabled and neurodivergent people, members of the LGBT+ communities, and those affected by racism and trauma.
Suicide is preventable and these figures should serve as a wake-up call for our Executive, that action on the ground is needed urgently. It highlights the need for a joined-up approach to reduce suffering and save lives.
Finally, I want to speak directly to those people who are struggling today. Suicidal thoughts are a sign that something needs to change, not that you need to end your life, Lifeline are available 24/7 on 0808 808 8000. They want to hear from you, and they are waiting for your call.
View the NISRA suicide statistical report and data table here: https://www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/suicide-statistics-2024
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