Ireland’s Next Suicide Reduction Strategy

The Irish Government’s approach to suicide reduction, intervention and postvention (support after a tragedy has occurred) is set out in the Connecting for Life strategy. It provides a comprehensive plan, based on the best international evidence, for how we can reduce levels of suicide in our country. Connecting for Life was launched in 2015 and came to an end in 2024. Part of its development included an extensive public consultation process with submissions from 272 members of the public, representative organisations, mental health service users and community organisations.

Connecting for Life has been evaluated to assess how well the different parts of the plan have worked. A final report is due in Q4 2025. At the same time, the Department of Health Mental Health Strategy Unit is working on a successor strategy, which builds on the successes of the current one and takes account of new evidence. This policy is due to be completed by the end of 2025. The new policy will set out Government’s approach to suicide reduction from 2026 onwards.

As part of the development of Ireland’s next suicide reduction strategy, in March 2025, the Department of Health invited members of the public, groups and organisations to share their feedback, experience regarding suicide reduction in Ireland and to outline what they would like to see in a new strategy.

We were particularly interested in hearing from people with lived and living experience of suicide, recognising the hugely valuable perspective that people with lived experience of suicide bring to suicide prevention.

As part of the consultation process an online survey was carried out, which received approximately 1,895 responses. Members of the public/organisations were invited to take part in the consultation process by completing a short survey asking for their experience/feedback on suicide reduction.

Some standalone submissions were received during the consultation process. These were analysed and a synthesis was produced.

The National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) provided expert advice on this aspect of the public consultation process. The NSRF also analysed and compiled the survey report and the synthesis of the standalone submissions.

At the end of the survey participants were asked to leave their contact details if they wished to be invited to an in-person or online consultation meeting hosted by the Department of Health. Arising from this, 7 in-person and online consultation events were held with people with lived experience of suicide, NGOs working in the area of suicide, HSE staff, and relevant professionals. These sessions were supported by Crowe consulting, who assisted in facilitating and compiled the report arising from the sessions.

We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part in the public consultation process, particularly those who shared personal experiences.

The National Suicide Research Foundation compiled the following reports on the consultation survey and the standalone submissions, on behalf of the Department of Health:

Crowe compiled the following report on the consultation events, on behalf of the Department of Health:

An Expert Advisory Group has been appointed to assist in the development of the next suicide reduction strategy. This Expert Advisory Group will play a central role in shaping the strategy, ensuring it is informed by the latest evidence, cross-sectoral expertise, and the lived experience of those affected by suicide.

The expert group, chaired by Dr Eileen Williamson, former CEO of the National Suicide Research Foundation, comprises 22 members representing clinical, academic, policy, and community sectors.

A Lived Experience Reference Group for the next suicide reduction strategy has also been appointed. This Lived Experience Reference Group will work closely with the Advisory Group to ensure that lived experience is central to the development of the strategy. This group will be chaired by Joe O'Donovan and coordinated by the National Suicide Research Foundation.

If you have any questions about the Public Consultation process, please email suicidereductionconsultation@health.gov.ie

The Department of Health reminds people that suicide is a very sensitive subject. Some people may find this topic upsetting. We ask that people are mindful of this before taking the survey, or while answering questions.

If you are concerned about your mental health or that of someone you know, please access the HSE website www.yourmentalhealth.ie. This website is a ‘one-stop-shop’ portal for people seeking information on trusted mental health supports and services, including information on accessing urgent help.