Lost Futures: Understanding Poverty, Inequality, and Suicidality in Northern Ireland

Samaritans in Northern Ireland has commissioned new research exploring the connection between economic disadvantage and suicidal behaviour in Northern Ireland.

The Lost Futures policy report, based on research conducted by Just Economics, highlights how poverty, unemployment, and social inequality contribute to mental health challenges and increased suicide risk.

Northern Ireland has one of the highest suicide rates in the UK and Ireland, with evidence showing that economic hardship, childhood adversity, and social exclusion all play a role in shaping these outcomes. This research offers vital insights into these structural drivers and provides levers for policy change.

• Suicide prevention is not just a health issue – it’s an economic, education, and social justice issue. Every department must act.
• Economic hardship is a major driver of suicide – Factors such as unemployment, low wages, debt, and area-based deprivation create overwhelming stress that can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
• Poverty stigma intensifies distress – Feelings of shame and societal judgement discourage people from seeking help, making it harder for them to access support.
• Suicide prevention strategies need to go beyond crisis response – While helplines and mental health services play a crucial role, addressing the underlying socio-economic factors is essential for long-term change.

We are calling for urgent, cross-government action to address the root causes of suicide, including poverty, financial insecurity, and educational inequality. It also urges the full implementation and funding of an Anti-Poverty Strategy and a Childcare Strategy.

• We believe it is imperative that government departments implement mandatory suicide prevention training for all public-facing employees.
• We call on all government departments to pool budgets to fund early intervention and community-based suicide prevention services. A joined-up approach will save lives.

It’s not enough to react to suicide; we must prevent it by fixing the policies that drive people to despair.