New chair for NI suicide prevention group

Mr Conor McCafferty has been appointed to the position of Chair of the Suicide Strategy Implementation Body for a term of three years.

Speaking about the appointment, Health Minister Jim Wells said: “I welcome the appointment of Conor who has been involved in suicide prevention and self–harm work over a long number of years, and is highly respected in this field.

“Every single suicide is a tragedy and we must continue to do all we can to support people and tackle this issue. The Suicide Strategy Implementation Body (SSIB), brings together statutory, voluntary and community representatives to oversee the rollout of our local Protect Life suicide prevention strategy, and is an essential part of the joined up working which will be required if we are to successfully combat the high local suicide rate.”

Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride added: “Mr McCafferty brings with him the requisite skills and broad experience to provide leadership to the Suicide Strategy Implementation Body as we deliver the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy. He will also ensure that the Suicide Strategy Implementation Body continues to have a representative role in advising on the delivery of new suicide prevention policy”.

Taking up post, Conor said: “I am delighted to have been appointed by the Health Minister to the position of Chair of the Suicide Strategy Implementation Body. I feel privileged to be asked to carry out such an important role. Along with my colleagues from the community, voluntary and statutory sectors, I intend to be fully engaged in the development of the new suicide prevention strategy. I also intend to have a leading role in the implementation of the new strategy and will do so from a position of action, understanding, compassion and hope.”