Page 1039 - Week 03 - Thursday, 21 March 2019

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The best preventive mechanism we have is to create a caring, supportive network around people when they are struggling. We can all play a role in acknowledging other people’s pain and helping them to link up with professional support if required. For me, the real take-home message from the QPR training is that everybody can play a part and you do not have to be an expert. You do not have to be trained in psychology and those sorts of things. Following the simple steps that are outlined in the training can be the critical act of first aid, if we think of it in that way, that could make the difference. For many people, just knowing that someone has recognised their struggles and cares enough to check is a critical first step. QPR is all about helping people to do that.

I would encourage colleagues in the Assembly, staff in this place and the community at large to complete the course. The content is specifically targeted at audiences with no assumed knowledge of mental health or suicide prevention. As I said at the beginning, it is free. It takes less than an hour, and you can sign up and complete the QPR online by visiting the Capital Health Network website. It is an investment of time that could really make a difference, perhaps when you least know it, to someone who is very close to you.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

The Assembly adjourned at 6.45 pm until Tuesday, 2 April, at 10 am.

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