Urgent action to be taken on suicide prevention and online safety
Conference Calls for Urgent Action on Suicide Prevention and Online Safety
On Thursday, 03 April 2025, ICC Belfast hosted a vital conference that addressed the increasing risks of online harm and its connection to suicide among young people in Northern Ireland.
Organised by Complete Mind Solutions, the event brought together experts, advocates, and frontline professionals to explore the dangerous realities of grooming, catfishing, online influence, and sexual exploitation.
In 2023, the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) reported 221 suicide deaths across the region, a stark figure that highlights the urgent need for action. Lifeline, Northern Ireland’s 24/7 crisis helpline, receives around 50,000 calls every year, while more than 25,000 people have completed suicide prevention training through SafeTALK.
These numbers not only reflect the scale of the crisis but also the growing collective effort to address it. A recent Samaritans poll further revealed that over two-thirds (67%) of people would welcome someone checking in on them during difficult times, a reminder of the power of human connection in moments of struggle.
Paul McCardle attempted suicide six years ago, he spoke about his experience of drug addiction and suicidal thoughts and how he overcame them. "I went through addiction for 21 years, my life was turmoil, it started off as fun and ended up bringing me to the depths of depression, the lowest parts of my life."
I didn't want to live any more, I didn't see any hope and I just wanted to finish it. But thankfully I was one of the lucky ones.
Mr McArdle said he believes suicide prevention has come a long way in the last two decades but things can still improve. "It's getting people to come to those doors seeking help," he said. "Men don't want to seek help because they think it's not the done thing to do because they're strong and mighty but when you're at your lowest and you really want to get out of it, these people are here to help you.
They were amazing for me, and they can be amazing for anyone.
A powerful panel discussion took place featuring Kurtis Reid, Belfast Telegraph, Cara Hunter MLA, and Stevan Parkin, Online Gaming Academy. Attendees also heard from leading voices in suicide prevention, mental health, and online safety.
The event offered practical advice and strategies for individuals, organisations, and wider society to better protect children and young people from online dangers.
Jill Gordon, Owner, Complete Mind Solutions said,
This conference created a powerful platform for honest conversations, evidence-led insights, and meaningful collaboration.
"Throughout the day, attendees engaged in real, solution-focused dialogue, exploring the practical steps we can take, individually and collectively, to better protect our children and young people from the growing threat of online harm."
A key theme in today’s discussion focused on creating a sense of community to support vulnerable people, something more important than ever.
Rob McConnell, Chief Executive, ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall said,
"Across our venues, we are proud to support events that drive real social change for Belfast and Northern Ireland."
The conversations in the room today reinforced the urgent need to prevent the loss of young lives, and it was truly inspiring to see the passion and commitment of everyone involved in working towards a future without suicide.
