Suicide Prevention / Mental Health

At Impact Network NI, we believe that suicide prevention is central to creating healthier, more resilient communities.

Home Services Suicide Prevention / Mental Health

Overview

Connecting People to Support When It Matters Most

We are committed to promoting hope, reducing stigma, and ensuring that people can access the support, knowledge, and pathways they need during times of emotional distress.

Commissioned by the Public Health Agency (PHA), we deliver dedicated suicide prevention support across our area. The role of our Suicide Prevention Development Officer (SPDO) is central to this work, helping us strengthen connections between local communities, partners, and support networks.

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Our Commitment to Suicide Prevention

Impact Network NI supports community-led suicide prevention through:

Community development approaches
Awareness-raising and education
Capacity building and resilience programmes
Partnership working with local agencies
Information sharing and resource development

Our SPDO works directly with groups across our localities to provide guidance on mental and emotional wellbeing, early intervention, and suicide prevention. Since the role was introduced, we have supported numerous community, voluntary, and statutory organisations through high-quality training and awareness sessions.

Promoting Awareness and Understanding

Suicide is a complex and sensitive issue that can affect anyone. Many people experiencing distress may feel isolated or unsure of where to seek help. Through training, workshops, and community outreach, our SPDO aims to:

Increase understanding of suicide and self-harm
Highlight risk factors and warning signs
Encourage safe, compassionate conversations
Promote early intervention and help-seeking
Share information about local support services

This work enables communities to feel more confident in supporting themselves and others.

Building Community Capacity and Resilience

Our SPDO helps strengthen community resilience by supporting groups to:

Develop local suicide prevention action plans
Access specialist training (e.g., safeTALK, ASIST, Mental Health First Aid, resilience workshops)
Identify community needs and gaps in support
Build supportive networks to reduce isolation
Create safe, connected environments where people feel valued and heard

Community-led approaches ensure that suicide prevention efforts are meaningful, sustainable, and rooted in local knowledge.

Working in Partnership

Suicide prevention relies on strong collaboration. We work closely with:

The Public Health Agency
Community and voluntary organisations
Mental health and counselling services
Schools, youth groups, and local partners
Local councils and statutory agencies

The SPDO acts as a vital link between communities and services, ensuring coordinated action, shared information, and clear, accessible pathways to care.