Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Welcomes New Suicide Prevention Plan

Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has welcomed the publication of the Protect Life 2 Action Plan and Implementation Plan, describing it as "hugely important" for suicide prevention and reducing self-harm across Northern Ireland.

Mr Chambers stressed the profound impact of suicide: "Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. It's a tragedy for the individual, but also for their family and all their loved ones. We must always remember that suicide is preventable; it is never inevitable."

He called for a unified effort to address the issue: "It is our collective responsibility to reduce and, hopefully, one day eliminate suicide. We as individuals, members of our communities and public representatives must always move forward with the ethos that effective prevention is a collective responsibility."

Highlighting the necessity of cross-sector collaboration, Mr Chambers added: "Tackling our poor rates of suicide and self-harm is an issue far too important for Departments, statutory agencies and other stakeholders to work in isolation from one another. There can be no room or opportunity for silo thinking."

Having reviewed the published documents, Mr Chambers expressed confidence in the new strategy: "Having read the published plans, it's clear that the Minister has listened to the outcome of the independent review and widespread stakeholder engagement. I fully agree with the whole government approach being adopted and reflected across a number of the actions within the plans. I am confident that the revised plans will greatly enhance the ongoing efforts to reduce suicide and self-harm."

The Protect Life 2 Action Plan, developed after an independent review and extensive stakeholder consultation, is themed around five key areas, including a "whole of government and society approach," awareness and prevention, and compassionate support for those affected by suicide and self-harm. While initial funding for year one has been secured, the long-term funding for the full implementation of the plan in future years remains to be confirmed.

Alliance Welcomes Funding To Boost Social and Racial Cohesion

The First Minister has announced additional funding to address issues around social and racial cohesion, welcomed by Alliance representatives following recent xenophobic incidents in Ballymena and Larne.

Alliance Executive Office spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA stated: "I welcome that the Executive Office is making a clear statement here there can be no contextualising or excusing racist or xenophobic violence.

"My Alliance colleagues have been pushing since the disgraceful scenes in Ballymena and Larne for greater prioritisation of early intervention to promote racial cohesion, as well as funding to address the devasting impact of violence on victims."

Alliance Equality spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA added: "The cost of last month's violence was borne primarily by those who experienced fear and loss as a result of it. There is also a significant cost to the clear-up which, in practice, has to be taken away from other public services.

"Those who have concerns about housing do not wreck houses. There has to be much more direct and urgent action aimed at prevention of violence and building social cohesion. Although this is a relatively small amount of money, it represents a welcome direction of travel."

Man Charged Following Ormeau Road Assault And Criminal Damage

Police have charged a man to court following an assault in the Ormeau Road area of south Belfast on Monday, 30 June 2025.

A 34-year-old man has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, criminal damage, and threats to kill. He is scheduled to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday, 28 July 2025. As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

A 20-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the incident has been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service. Meanwhile, a 16-year-old boy who was arrested has been released unconditionally.