Northern Ireland health minister Robin Swann has said suicide prevention is a top priority for him and his department.
The politician spoke out following the January publication of a letter in the Irish News and Belfast Telegraph, signed by many celebrities and high-profile figures, calling for spending on mental health to be doubled to help address Northern Ireland’s suicide rate.
Northern Ireland has the highest suicide rate of all UK countries, with around five people dying each week.
In September 2019, Northern Ireland published its Protect Life 2 suicide prevention strategy, which laid out plans to reduce Northern Ireland’s suicide rate by 10% in the next five years.
Robin Swann said those signing the letter were right to highlight suicide as one of the biggest challenges facing society and that urgent action is needed.