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Change in attitude needed with regard to suicide

Bill Henderson, MLC

Tynwald Committee seeks information from those affected

An MLC believes there needs to be a change in attitude on the Island with regard to tackling the number of cases of suicide.

Bill Henderson has submitted information from his own research to the Tynwald Committee investigating issues such as the adequacy of preventative measures, the response of public services following instances of suicide and the role and functioning of the Coroner of Inquests.

The committee was set up late last year after it was revealed that there had been 10 suicide verdicts recorded by the coroner as of the end of August 2018 - double the number for the whole of 2017.

Mr Henderson - who worked in mental health services for twenty years - says suicide is more than just an issue for those working in mental health.

Anyone wishing to make submissions should sent them to j.king@tynwald.org.im  by 22 January. It's hoped the committee will report back to Tynwald towards the end of this year.

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