All-Party Group Launches Major Inquiry into Suicide Prevention Funding
On January 20th, the All-Party Group on Suicide Prevention launched a cross-party inquiry at Stormont to examine how suicide prevention services are funded across Northern Ireland. Chaired by Órlaithí Flynn MLA and supported by Samaritans, the inquiry comes as new figures reveal 290 deaths by suicide were registered in Northern Ireland in 2024, a 31% increase from 221 in 2023.
The inquiry will explore how investment in suicide prevention can be shared more effectively across government departments including Health, Communities, Justice, Education, and the Economy, reflecting the reality that suicidal crisis often originates beyond clinical services alone. Men accounted for over three-quarters of suicides in 2024, with suicide remaining the leading cause of death for men under 50. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, who officially launched the inquiry, stated: “Suicide prevention cannot be delivered by one department alone.”
Organisations and individuals can submit evidence through an online survey as the inquiry seeks to ensure funding structures match how prevention actually works in communities across Northern Ireland.
You can find out further information here
