Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.
Football tops representing each individual who died by suicide last year have been laid out at Stormont.
More than 300 shirts have been arranged to spell the word ‘hope’ to mark what is a poignant occasion for many.
Sports clubs, mental health charities & families from across NI lay out 305 football tops representing loved ones lost to #Suicide in a message of HOPE at Stormont – their message – Help Open Politicians’ Eyes, end the stalemate & help those suffering with their mental health. pic.twitter.com/tl3h78PzyO
— Nichola Mallon (@NicholaMallon) September 9, 2018
Northern Ireland striker Josh Magennis joined GAA and rugby stars this morning at Stormont to show support for suicide awareness. Find out more ? https://t.co/yVDEHdSqgD pic.twitter.com/fimlvLd0VR
— Official Irish FA (@OfficialIrishFA) September 9, 2018
At Stormont today and saw the #walkofhope. @NicolaMallon and @RobbieButlerMLA got a picture with us and chatted about raising awareness of suicide. Super people @SDLPlive @uuponline pic.twitter.com/yrvxO2Sqit
— Robert McKenna (@Bob031268) September 9, 2018
Great to see so many people at Stormont this morning raising awareness about suicide and mental health issues. pic.twitter.com/4XgPc39qQq
— Robert T Best (@robert_t_best) September 9, 2018
The number of suicides have risen again in Northern Ireland this year, following a slight dip.
Last month, according to the Public Health Agency, the figure for deaths due to suicide in the last year (2017) was 305.
The figure had fallen to 297 in 2016 – dropping below 300 for the first time in several years – after reaching a high of 318 over the previous 12 months.
While the paper demonstrates that suicide rates have increased by 60 per cent worldwide over the last 45 years, it also states that Northern Ireland has the highest rates compared to any other region in the United Kingdom.
If you need someone to talk to, please call The Samaritans on 116 123.