Today, we mark World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a subject on which we can unite, as it is a tragic reality that strikes many of our communities. There will be few inside or outside the Chamber who have not experienced its tragic impact in some way — a friend, a colleague, a family member or someone you know through other channels.

We all agree that it is essential that we foster a culture of openness and support, breaking down the stigma that often surrounds mental health struggles. We must work to make our aspirations of investment in mental health services and of treating mental health equally to physical health a reality, promoting early Intervention and ensuring that everyone knows that they are not alone and that there is always another, better way. Every conversation that we have, every sign of encouragement, every show of support can make a difference to someone. Let us commit to making the places where we are present somewhere people can feel heard and listened to.

It would be remiss of me to stand here to mark the day without paying tribute to the work of some of our local mental health charities, such as Aware and Action Mental Health, and national charities such as Samaritans, as well as groups that do terrific work in my Constituency of East Belfast, such as Survivors of Suicide and Men's Minds Matter. They do excellent work.

Together, through compassion and understanding, we can work towards a future where everyone in Northern Ireland has the support that they need not only to survive but to thrive.