Suicide Postvention: Shaping Prevention for the Future Together - Families Voices Forum

The recent Families Voices Forum event, Suicide Postvention: Shaping Prevention for the Future Together gathered policymakers,researchers, community organisations and those bereaved by suicide to reflect on the latest evidence, statistics and actions taking place to reshape the world of suicide prevention in Northern Ireland. One theme was evident throughout the presentations and discussions: progress happens when research,strategy and lived experience meet. When those bereaved by suicide have been truly heard.

Dr. Sharon McDonnell’s national suicide bereavement study through Suicide Bereavement UK added another layer of evidence. With over 7000 participants, it is one of the most extensive surveys ever undertaken on suicide loss. Many respondents experienced significant emotional, physical and financial effects yet 60% did not access support, often because they didn’t know what was available. The evidence is clear: suicide postvention must be recognised as a core component of suicide prevention, not an afterthought.

The Public Health Agency also provided updates on Protect Life 2, the current iteration of the suicide prevention strategy for Northern Ireland. New developments include a more delivery-focused action plan,strengthened accountability, improved community capacity initiatives and continued public information campaigns. Critically, work is also underway to develop a dedicated postvention service for children and young people, due for implementation by 2026–2027.

But it was Families Voices Forum that grounded the day in lived reality. Formed in 2006 and representing the voice of those bereaved by suicide across Northern Ireland,the Forum continues to inform and shape policy locally and regionally. Members highlighted the need for a Men’s Health Strategy, stable funding for community mental health services, and early-years interventions. Their six key asks,primarily focussing on trained workforces, improved responses and embedding lived experience, reflected nearly two decades of tireless advocacy.

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The messaging that resonated throughout the event was simple– lived experience shows the true needs and when lived experience comes together with policy and research, meaningful progress can become a reality.

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Summing the event up in the words of Families Voices Forum:

‘Together, we turn grief into hope and hope into change.’

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