SF Calls For Mandatory Suicide Prevention Training For Frontline Staff

Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has announced plans to introduce legislation that would make suicide prevention training a mandatory requirement for frontline staff across public bodies and government departments in Northern Ireland.

The proposed bill aims to place a legal duty on public sector employers to provide this essential training to all employees in public-facing roles.

This includes staff working in critical sectors such as health services, education, social care, and law enforcement, who regularly interact with the public.

The West Belfast MLA underscored the importance of such a measure: "These staff members work directly with the public every single day and it's vital that they have basic awareness and training." She added, "Given the tragic rates of people taking their own life across the north, this training could make a real difference and could save lives."

Flynn also highlighted concerning statistics regarding suicide rates and socio-economic factors. "Statistics show that individuals living in the most deprived areas are twice as likely to die by suicide as those in more affluent communities," she noted. "These figures highlight the urgent need for targeted, effective strategies to reduce the amount of people who are sadly dying by suicide."

The introduction of this proposed legislation comes amidst ongoing efforts to address mental health and suicide prevention in Northern Ireland, where figures indicate a persistent challenge, particularly in areas of higher deprivation.

Alliance Councillors Set To Lead Ards And North Down Council

Alliance Councillors Gillian McCollum and Vicky Moore have been selected as the next Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down for the 2025/26 term. Their appointments are expected to be formally ratified at the council's annual general meeting on Wednesday, 04 June.

Councillor McCollum paid tribute to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Cathcart, before outlining her vision for the upcoming year. "The overarching theme of my upcoming year as mayor is that of belonging," she stated.

Councillor Vicky Moore, soon to be Deputy Mayor, expressed her honour at taking on the role in her lifelong home. "For me, one of the most important parts of this role is being able to give a platform to the invaluable work being done by so many people who live and work here – people who are often left to fill in the gaps left by statutory organisations, and who truly make Ards and North Down what it is," Cllr Moore added. She affirmed her commitment to supporting the Mayor's chosen charities and serving the borough by representing all community voices. "I’m committed to serving the borough, representing the voices of everyone right across the community on the issues that matter to us all, and I can’t wait to hit the ground running," she concluded.

Arson Investigation Underway After Larne Commercial Fire

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a fire at commercial premises in Larne on Monday, 2nd June, which is being treated as deliberate.

Sergeant Allen confirmed that police received a report at approximately 2:50am of a fire in the Browndod Road area. Officers attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who successfully extinguished the blaze.

"Enquiries are ongoing and at this stage, the fire is being treated as deliberate," Sergeant Allen stated.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.