Northern Investing for Health Partnership

Suicide, we hope it will never happen to anyone we know. But suicide is a reality. The possibility that suicide could claim the life of someone you know cannot be ignored.

In response to Protect Life A Shared Vision, a Government strategy for suicide prevention within Northern Ireland, the Northern Health and Social Services Board have employed a Co-ordinator for Suicide Prevention. Gabrielle Nellis, commenced the post in March 2007 and is currently working to help develop and co-ordinate actions within existing and newly developed partnerships.

Through the Northern Investing for Health Partnership, the Board, together with a number of other organisations, has established a joint Promoting Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan Implementation Group.  An Action Plan is soon to be at final draft stage and will be submitted to DHSSPS by the end of June 2007.

Speaking about Suicide prevention work taking place across the Northern Health and Social Services Board (NHSSB) area, Gabrielle Nellis, Suicide Prevention Co-ordinator, believes:  “We all have a part to play in preventing suicide! I am very keen to gain an insight into what has already been developed across the voluntary, community, private, and statutory sectors, as well as individuals or groups who want to develop actions in their communities.” 

The Suicide Prevention post has been developed to establish links and inform local people of local actions being progressed through the Northern Investing for Health Promoting Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan Implementation Group. If you are involved in suicide prevention, activities or are interested in helping to:

• Prevent suicide within local NHSSB communities
• Improve the capacity of local communities to educate and raise awareness of suicide
• Deliver prevention and intervention activities
• Provide practical support to those affected by suicide
• Involve a range of partners in preventing suicide

Contact Gabrielle Nellis Tel: (028) 2531 1193 or email: gabrielle.nellis@nhssb.n-i.nhs.uk

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