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Health Minister Michael McGimpsey welcomed the publication of the North and West Belfast Health Action Zone evaluation of its suicide and self harm prevention implementation plan.

The evaluation examines the work undertaken in North and West Belfast to prevent suicide and self harm. Much of this work is funded under 'Protect Life', the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Minister McGimpsey said "It is fitting that the evaluation report is published on World Suicide Prevention Day as it provides sound evidence that working together across statutory and community sectors adds value and makes a real difference to people's lives.

“It also highlights the importance of community led initiatives in tackling suicide and self harm within localities."

The Minister added: "The evaluation presents some challenging findings in relation to the need for better links between regional and local implementation of 'Protect Life', better monitoring and evaluation of local initiatives, additional research, and an increased focus on prevention and promoting long term mental health.

“These findings are very timely and will inform the current review of 'Protect Life' and the development of a new Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Northern Ireland.

“Every suicide is a tragedy and the incidence of this type of tragedy in North and West Belfast is quite simply unacceptable. It is sobering to think of what might have been without the immense efforts of the community and statutory partners to date.

"I commend the Health Action Zone for its initiative in producing this important evaluation of the lifesaving work undertaken in North and West Belfast over the past 10 years."