NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY AND BUSINESS TRUST

PRESS RELEASE

22 November 2010

Ref: NIABT 01/10/11

MLAs IN DRIVE TO SAVE LIVES

The Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust [1] will host a training event tonight to help MLAs and businesses spot people at risk of suicide. The event takes place at Parliament Buildings in partnership with PIPS Programmes. [2]

The event aims to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, identify the warning signs of those at risk of suicide and learn how to support people to get appropriate help and advice.

Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust Director, Dawn Purvis MLA said: “Suicide is a blight in our society. As business, political and civic leaders we have a duty to make ourselves and others aware of what we can do to prevent suicide and support those left behind when someone takes their own life.

“The Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust is particularly mindful that the risk of suicide can increase sharply in times of economic hardship. MLAs and their staff are in daily contact with people across their constituencies and are ideally placed to spot the signals and take action. We hope that this training will better prepare us all to recognise those at risk and to take all possible steps to help tackle this difficult issue.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

[1] About NIABT

The NIABT was established in 2002. An independent and self-financing educational charity, its focus is to foster development and promote Northern Ireland. The Trust brings together Assembly Members and the business sector to further its aims.

The Trust’s work is underpinned by a programme of seminars, visits and fellowship placements that brings together MLAs and business representatives. Programmes are non-partisan, non-lobbying, educational and informative. The NIABT is modelled on similar schemes in other legislatures, for example Westminster’s Industry & Parliament Trust.

[2] About PIPS

PIPS Programmes is a suicide prevention charity based in Belfast which has developed four suicides prevention programmes:

• Preventing Suicides in your Community
• Preventing Suicides in Younger People
• Preventing Suicides in Schools
• Preventing Suicides in Older People

The programme’s aims are:

• To reduce the stigma, and the myths, around suicide
• To increase the general public’s understanding of Government suicide prevention strategies
• To increase the general public’s awareness around the extensive support available to those at risk of suicide
• To help participants identify warning signs that a person may be at risk of suicide
• To develop a clearer understanding of the different groups who may be at higher risk of suicide
• To develop an understanding in the general public that many people who are at risk will not access the help available unless supported in doing so.
• To reduce the fear in the general public of helping someone at risk by providing a listening ear and linking to available help
• To introduce simple ways of developing positive mental health within participants.

Media enquiries to:

Jennifer Pleavin
Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 1606
Mobile : 07502 379339
Email: jennifer.pleavin@niassembly.gov.uk

Sinead Murphy
Deputy Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 5938
Mobile : 078 998 64368
Email: sinead.murphy@niassembly.gov.uk