Background to the Research

• A multi-sectoral taskforce was established in July 2005 to develop a Suicide Prevention Strategy for NI, which would aim to reduce the NI Suicide rate, particularly among young people and other high risk groups.
• The Health Promotion Agency/Youth Council for NI requested that The Young Citizens in Action Department (VSB) carry out a consultation with the young people of NI on The NI Suicide Prevention Draft Strategy and Action Plan 2006-2011.
  

Research Approach

• The consultation process involved a questionnaire, which was completed by 83 young people from across NI. The young people were accessed via organisations, youth groups, the VSB database, the Young Citizen's in Action Steering Group and the Young Citizen's in Action website.
  

Main Findings

• The vast majority of participants (82) agreed with the aim of the strategy. Even the one participant who disagreed went on to specify that the overall aim should indeed include reducing the suicide rate amongst young people.
• A majority (67) of participants agreed with the overall targets, as set out in paragraph 4.3, namely a target of 10% reduction in suicide rate by 2008 and a 15% reduction by 2011. Feedback from the young people addressed the issues of target level (often suggesting it should be higher), and the meaning of such targets for young people.
• All of the participants agreed with the guiding principles of the strategy, which include: displaying the truth about mental health issues and encouraging those who need help to seek it; a continuous commitment to achieving and sharing best practice; support for, and commitment to, continued discussions with bereaved families, survivors, carers and their representatives; and supporting shared working with counterparts in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain where appropriate.
• Feedback from the young people included the suggestion that the stigma and taboo of eating disorders/suicidal thoughts could be a guiding principal and that assistance/guidance on the principal should be made more widely available in an accessible manner in every district area of NI.
• A large majority (81) of participants agreed with the key objectives of the strategy. Feedback and suggestions from the young people included: providing pupils at school with more 'real life' education, especially on issues relating to mental health; including 'improve the quality of life in disadvantaged areas' as a key objective; stamping out stereotyping and dangerous beliefs at a young age; and reducing the stigma attached to counselling.
• A large majority (79) of participants agreed with the target areas of the strategy, which include 18-34 year old males, bereaved families and individuals who have made previous suicide attempts, high risk employees and groups, those who misuse alcohol and drugs, disadvantaged groups, those who self harm, and those living in socially and economically disadvantaged areas. Participants also suggested adding the following groups: students, females aged 18-34, females below 18 years of age, teenagers and primary school children.
• A large majority (79) of participants agreed with the dual approach (population approach and targeted approach) adopted for the implementation of the strategy. Participants noted that publication material needs to be targeted to specific groups, the actual approach appears child unfriendly, and the possibility exists for gaps to develop.
• 58 participants agreed with the action areas and associated timescales in the action plan. Feedback addressed the issues of adequacy of timescales, funding for training and the need for the strategy to be ongoing.
• A large majority (79) of participants agreed with how the strategy will be implemented. Of note in the young people's feedback were that the strategy needs to be high on the Government's agenda, the ideas need to be rolled out together, and the importance of resource allocation in the delivery of the strategy.
• A large majority (80) of participants felt that the strategy review arrangements in place are appropriate.
• A large majority (80) of participants agreed with research recommendations of the strategy. Feedback highlighted that the 'Troubles' may not be as relevant in rural areas and suggested a review of these areas amongst young people.
• The participants suggested that assessments of the implications of the strategy should also take account of age, gender, family background, history of illness in the family, and the spiritual dimension of people.
• The majority (75) of participants agreed with the decision that the Strategy does not require full equality assessment.
• Participants suggested children's thoughts, background, exam pressure, literacy, age and the level of complexity of the questionnaire as additional sources of information that should have been taken into account in relation to the research.
• Additional comments in relation to the strategy included: the strategy seems realistic with good goals and timing; it is much needed; it can be hard to help those who may be hiding suicidal tendencies; support mechanisms are needed for children whose parent/family member has suicidal tendencies/mental health issues; young people should have been consulted before a draft was produced; the strategy needs to be simple, clear, easy to implement and accessible; and the church has been left out of the strategy
  

Conclusions

• The consultation revealed that the young people were in agreement with this strategy plan as the way forward in dealing with the prevention of suicide. There were some issues that were repeatedly highlighted in regards to implementing this strategy: over-optimistic timescales; the review should be ongoing; the need to implement the strategy in such a way as to be young person friendly; and the importance of prevention.