To ask the Minister of Health to detail any assessment that has made of the adequacy of mental health support for young people identified as being at risk of suicide.

There are a wide range of issues that may increase the risk of later suicidal behaviour. This can include bullying, body image, eating disorders, exam stress, abuse and adverse childhood experiences. A wide range of policies and programmes are in place to address these issues.

The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide recommends that agencies that work with children and young people (particularly those in the health, social care, youth justice and education sectors) can contribute to suicide prevention by recognising the pattern of cumulative risks and stress that lead to a suicide attempt. Improved recognition of these features by families and children themselves would also enhance suicide prevention.

A number of actions within the Protect Life 2 Strategy are targeted at younger age groups including: suicide prevention training for teachers, youth workers and sports coaches; emotional resilience building and responding to critical incidents in schools; the schools counselling service; and child focused bereavement services.

Under the Protect Life 2 Strategy the Public Health Agency currently fund the Self Harm Intervention Programme (SHIP) service which is available for anyone aged 11+ who has self-harmed and have needs at Step 2 of the You in Mind care pathway. Health and Social Care Trusts provide services for those requiring support at Step 3 and Step 4. Referrals are made to SHIP by HSC Trusts, and mental health services through a formal referral pathway.

In recognition of data in relation to higher rates of self-harm recorded in younger women, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has scheduled a programme of work to develop a pilot project for young women who have self-harmed or who are at risk of self-harm for the 2026/27 year, subject to funding.