Suicide prevention requires end to "tickbox mentality" - Parsley

12.56.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 29th Jun 2007

Alliance North Down Councillor and Youth Affairs Spokesperson Ian James Parsley

Alliance North Down Councillor and Youth Affairs Spokesperson Ian James Parsley has called on the Executive to end the "tickbox mentality" which is denying funding to crucial suicide prevention services.

Speaking at a British Youth Council podcast at Stormont, Cllr Parsley stated: "We are now at a stage where we have had reasonable analysis of the problem, but politicians are elected to deliver solutions.

"I know from a case in East Belfast that funding to crucial counselling services is being cut on the basis of administrative technicalities. I know other such organizations face an uncertain future too. The Executive now has the opportunity to end the 'tickbox mentality' that exists in government, replacing it by government with a human face. It goes without saying that we need far more counselling services, not fewer.

"Furthermore, we need to train far more psychologists and psychotherapists. We are very good at training teachers and media studies graduates, but we lack professionals with direct experience specifically of mental health issues.

"The rise in suicides, particularly among young males, has horrified us all. The Executive has the power to act. Having discussed the issue with Junior Ministers, I have no doubt the will is there, but we must find the right answers rather than just throwing money at the problem."

ENDS