To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 50112/11-16, (i) to detail the specific suicide prevention services that have targeted at risk groups in each of the last three years; (ii) for his assessment of their effectiveness; and (iii) how he intends to deliver preventative services in future.

A wide range of groups are at increased risk of suicide including: those bereaved by suicide; people who self harm; people with a mental health condition; prisoners; people in specific occupations; and the long term unemployed. General suicide prevention services are relevant to the needs of these groups. In addition, specific services include: bereavement support; intervention for people who self harm; mental health crisis response services; the Card Before You Leave protocol; awareness raising for farmers; outreach for young men; and training for custody and prison staff.

The Public Health Agency commissions evidence-based suicide prevention services which are known to be effective and has introduced Quality Standards for the delivery and evaluation of these services.

A new strategy is being developed and will be issued for public consultation in 2016. It will be in two parts, the first covering frontline intervention and postvention, and the second covering early intervention to promote mental health.