New group aims to reduce suicides

A new organisation was launched yesterday which will attempt to reduce the number of people dying by suicide in the North.

A new organisation was launched yesterday which will attempt to reduce the number of people dying by suicide in the North.

Health minister Paul Goggins announced the establishment of the suicide strategy implementation body to implement a suicide prevention strategy drawn up for the North.

Speaking yesterday, which was also World Suicide Prevention Day, Mr Goggns said: "Suicide is a terrible tragedy which affects many in our society."

He said Suicide Prevention Day offered a chance to reflect on how society could help reduce the levels of self-harm and suicide in the community.

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The work of the implementation body will include a telephone help-line and projects bringing together people at risk of suicide with people who can help them.

Last year 213 people in the North took their own lives.