£600k spent on suicide prevention

OVER £600k was spent on suicide prevention initiatives in the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) over the past four years.

The level of expenditure rose from £102,799 in 2007/8 to £183,826 in 2008/9 and £183,692 in 2009/10 before decreasing slightly to £155,815 in 2010/11.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey outlined the spend in response to an Assembly Question.

He stated: “In addition there is annual expenditure of around £1m on regional suicide prevention initiatives, such as public awareness programmes, training, research, self-harm pilot projects and All-Island cooperation.

“A further £3.5m is invested in the Lifeline service. Total expenditure on suicide prevention in 2009/10 was £6.7 million.”

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