The island’s Suicide Prevention Strategy has moved into a “functional delivery phase”, according to a new update from Public Health.
Most actions are now either completed or embedded as business as usual.
The report says key achievements include the establishment of a real-time Suspected Suicide Rapid Response (SSRR) function, a dedicated postvention service, and a comprehensive Suicide Prevention Profile.
“Public Health has played a central role in convening and coordinating this system, while enabling partners to contribute flexibly and at scale,” the report states.
However, the update notes “limited access to attempted suicide data” and the absence of a formal Suicide Review Panel due to resource constraints. A bid to increase staffing was unsuccessful.
Despite progress, the system “remains comparatively reactive”, with further opportunities to strengthen early intervention.
Looking ahead, a refreshed strategy will be developed for the first quarter of 2027, with “a clear ambition for a co-designed and co-owned model, bringing together government, third sector, communities, and people with lived experience”.