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Minister Butler marks World Suicide Prevention Day 2026
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From: Department of Health
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Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, today marked World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, reaffirming the Government's commitment to reducing suicide and self-harm through the implementation of Ireland's Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm: Connecting for Life 2026-2035.
World Suicide Prevention Day, held annually on 10 September, is coordinated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the World Health Organisation. The global theme for 2026, and the final year of the three-year campaign, is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide", with the call to action "Start the Conversation."
The theme encourages people, communities, organisations and governments to challenge stigma, foster open and compassionate conversations about suicide, and create environments where people feel supported to seek help when they need it.
In May this year, the Government launched Connecting for Life 2026-2035, Ireland's new ten-year, whole-of-government strategy to reduce suicide and self-harm. The strategy sets out an ambitious vision of an Ireland where fewer lives are lost to suicide and where people have timely access to the supports they need. It includes a target to reduce the national suicide rate to 7 per 100,000 population or below by 2035 and places a strong emphasis on prevention, early intervention, crisis response, stigma reduction and support for those bereaved by suicide.
On World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, Minister Butler and Professor Philip Dodd, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, will speak at a conference hosted by Samaritans Waterford to mark the branch's 50th anniversary and recognise its longstanding contribution to suicide prevention in the South East.
Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day, Minister Butler said:
"World Suicide Prevention Day provides an important opportunity to remind people that help is available and that none of us has to face difficult times alone.”
“Suicide has a devastating impact on families, friends and communities. While progress has been made in reducing suicide, we know that four out of every five deaths by suicide are among men, and many still find it difficult to reach out for support. That is why I launched free counselling for men, providing more than 30,000 hours of counselling across last year and this year.”
“I am so pleased that over 6,000 men have come forward for support so far. I want to encourage any man who is going through a difficult time to speak to his GP or visit yourmentalhealth.ie/men to learn more about these free supports.”
“In May, I launched our new strategy to reduce suicide and self-harm Connecting for Life 2026-2035. Suicide rates have fallen by a third since the start of the century, but we want to go further and reduce them to 7 per 100,000 people or lower by 2035. This progress is only possible through a strong cross-Government approach, the leadership of the National Office for Suicide Prevention, and the commitment and support of our NGO partners.”
“If you're struggling today or any day, please remember that it's okay not to be okay and that you deserve support. Speak to your GP, visit yourmentalhealth.ie, call Samaritans on 116 123, or text HELLO to 50808 to take that first step towards feeling better.”
“Suicide prevention is everyone's business and on World Suicide Prevention Day, I encourage people across Ireland to start the conversation, check in with those around you, and remind anyone who may be struggling that help is available and you are not alone."
The Minister also acknowledged the work of communities, voluntary organisations, healthcare professionals, researchers, people with lived experience and frontline services across the country who continue to contribute to suicide prevention efforts every day.
The Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and partner organisations are developing the first implementation plan for Connecting for Life 2026-2035. Covering the period 2026-2028, it will set out specific actions across Government, the HSE and partner organisations to drive progress in reducing suicide and self-harm.
Ends
Notes to Editors
- World Suicide Prevention Day takes place annually on 10 September.
- The 2026 theme is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide", with the call to action "Start the Conversation."
- Earlier this year, the Government launched Ireland's Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm: Connecting for Life 2026-2035.
- The strategy sets a target of reducing the suicide rate to 7 per 100,000 population or below by 2035.
- The strategy was informed by a public consultation that received almost 1,900 submissions from individuals and organisations across Ireland.
- Development of the first implementation plan for 2026-2028 is currently underway and will support delivery of the strategy's priorities across Government, the HSE and partner organisations.
Support is always available
If you, or someone you know needs support, visit www.yourmentalhealth.ie – for information on how to mind your mental health, support others, or to find a support service in your area.
You can get help through:
- text HELLO to 50808 anytime day or night (24/7) to text with a trained listening volunteer
- your GP
- Emergency Department
- HSE Mental Health Services
- yourmentalhealth.ie or telephone information line 1800 111 888 - anytime day or night, for information on mental health services in your area. Mental health supports and services - HSE.ie
- Samaritans on 116 123
- Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444
Media reporting
When covering the topic of suicide, the HSE recommends that media adhere to Samaritans Ireland Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide - research evidence shows that certain types of media depictions, such as explicitly describing a method, sensational and excessive reporting, can lead to imitational suicidal behaviour among vulnerable people.
The topic of suicide should always be approached with care and compassion. It is important to use sensitive and non-stigmatising language when engaging in a conversation, talking or writing about suicide. Read more from the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention.
Free suicide prevention training from the HSE
For more information on suicide prevention training programmes available from the HSE, visit www.nosp.ie/training.
Access ‘Let’s Talk About Suicide’ – a free online suicide prevention training programme from the HSE NOSP.