Member's statement: World Suicide Prevention Day
Member's statement by Mr Andrew McMurray on .
- MLA
- Mr Andrew McMurray
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 8 September 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- World Suicide Prevention Day
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5673772
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I rise to acknowledge that Thursday 10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day. As a member of the all-party group (APG) on suicide prevention, I highlight the significance of the day and the importance of continuing conversations around mental health and suicide prevention. I thank Ellen Finlay from the Samaritans, who coordinates and oversees the APG. I also pay tribute to some of the local charities, including MYMY, Life Change Changes Lives, Suicide Down to Zero, MindWise, MACS, ALPS and many other suicide prevention charities in the South Down constituency that I have not mentioned; I do not mean to do a disservice to them. Northern Ireland has the highest rate of mental illness in the UK, with one in five adults suffering from a mood or anxiety disorder. Suicide Down to Zero, which is a local County Down charity that is working to eliminate suicide, has reported that, every week in Northern Ireland, four people die by suicide. Those statistics represent a profound tragedy for the loved ones who are left behind. Despite the scale of the issue, mental health funding and spend per person in Northern Ireland is below the average of other UK nations. Early intervention is crucial in preventing suicide, because it helps people to address issues before they escalate to a point where suicide feels like the only option. The statistics show that, of those who die by suicide, 50% had recorded either prior suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts. That shows the importance of recognising warning signs and ensuring that support is available when needed most. The global theme of the awareness-raising day is "Changing the narrative on suicide". I spoke to representatives of the local charity MindWise, and they said that it is vital that we challenge the stigma around suicide and continue to have open conversations. That means asking direct but sensitive questions of those who, we think, could be struggling with suicidal thoughts or plans. Having those difficult but necessary conversations will help to reduce the stigma and change the narrative on suicide. Mental health must remain a priority for all parties at Stormont. Given the impact that suicide has on individuals, families and communities across Northern Ireland, the issue cannot be ignored or pushed down the agenda. Today, I remember all those who have died by suicide in the South Down constituency and across Northern Ireland. My thoughts are with their families, friends and all those whose lives have been affected by loss. Together, we must continue working towards a society where everyone who needs support can access it and where no one feels that they have to face their struggles alone.
441 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Jev’s structured answers met the documented threshold for “not flagged”.
- Overall probability that the activity is being used to promote, exploit or escalate an identity-based controversy: 0.02 (flagging needs at least 0.70; at or below 0.30 is not flagged).
- None of the five culture-war criteria was met (each was below 0.60).
- No identity-based framing was identified (1.00).
- Subject area: Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits.
- The overall probability was at or below the not-flagging threshold.
This is an AI-generated assessment of the text, made against published criteria. It is not a finding of fact about the MLA or their intentions. The Assembly record itself is the fact.
Jev’s structured answers
| Question | Probability | Met? |
|---|---|---|
| Identity framing | 0.02 | No |
| Sectarian or communal antagonism | 0.02 | No |
| Cultural grievance politics | 0.01 | No |
| Dog-whistle messaging | 0.01 | No |
| Controversy escalation | 0.02 | No |
| Legitimate policy scrutiny | 0.57 | No |
| Overall judgement | 0.02 | At or below not-flagging threshold |
| Option | Probability |
|---|---|
| No identity-based framing (chosen) | 1.00 |
| Reports or questions it | 0.00 |
| Criticises or condemns it | 0.00 |
| Adopts it | 0.00 |
| Subject | Probability |
|---|---|
| Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits | 0.90 |
| No identity-related subject | 0.10 |
| Flags, emblems, symbols, names and memorials | 0.00 |
| Parades, bonfires and commemorations | 0.00 |
| Irish language, Ulster-Scots and language policy | 0.00 |
Assessed 21 October 2026 at 16:17 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.
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