Dedicated National Suicide Prevention Strategy that Complements National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy

Assoc Prof Terence Ho asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health following the publication of the community-led Project Hayat White Paper on suicide prevention in 2024 and subsequent public consultations on mental health and well-being, whether the Ministry will consider developing a dedicated national suicide prevention strategy to complement the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Suicidality is multi-faceted. Promoting good mental health and addressing mental health issues is a key plank to suicide prevention, and the two are closely intertwined.

We have run public education campaigns to address stigma and normalise help-seeking, and trained peer supporters and frontline personnel to identify and support those in crisis. The national mindline 1771 and community mental health teams are also available to help those in mental distress.

We are also developing a youth crisis facility to support youths with suicide risks due to psychosocial reasons and require a temporary safe environment.