A charity that helps bereaved people is backing proposed suicide prevention measures.

David Cretney MLC has chaired Tynwald’s social affairs policy review committee on suicide on the island and, as a result, has given 13 recommendations to Tynwald to address this issue.

’The recommendations Mr Cretney has proposed are based upon research with specialist organisations, as well as many people affected by suicide,’ says Joney Faragher, of Cruse Isle of Man.

’We agree with all the recommendations and encourage Tynwald members to give this matter their urgent support.’

The recommendations made by Mr Cretney were discussed in Tynwald, with some recommendations agreed but discussion stalled.

Amendments have been proposed and this matter is delayed until February 18’s Tynwald.

Cruse would like all political members to accept the recommendations as proposed, rather than trying to change them to a version that may further delay action and weaken their impact.

families

Cruse works with families bereaved by suicide, both their adult and children’s services.

Gill Skinner, young people’s bereavement specialist, said: ’Around 16% of our referrals in the last year were for children bereaved by suicide.

’This type of death leaves a specific and lasting legacy, and the committee’s recommendations recognise this.

’We feel we owe this to the families we work with, to support these measures that will go a long way towards supporting people bereaved by suicide, as well as potentially preventing this outcome in some cases.’

Tynwald’s social affairs policy review committee has considered, among other things, whether suicide incidence is higher on the island than elsewhere.

clarity

Cruse says statistics for the island show a parity with the UK. Cruse is pressing for clarity.

A spokesman said: ’We would seek confirmation of the differences in the way information is recorded in the UK compared to the Isle of Man.

’We are aware that suicide is often recorded [in inquests] here on Isle of Man with a "narrative" verdict, which could mean that it doesn’t show in reported statistics.

’In the UK, to the best of our knowledge the "narrative" option is used very rarely and even in these cases can still be coded as a suicide so will be reflected in their statistics.’

Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man is a free, voluntary and confidential bereavement support service. It can be contacted on 668191, or [email protected].