A new health initiative which hopes to help tackle suicide in north Belfast is to be launched.

The ASSERT project is being launched by the Mater Hospital Community Forum.

It will be based in the city's Mater Hospital and its aim is to provide support and education for the north Belfast and greater Shankill communities and for young men in particular.

According to project coordinator, Iain McGowan, suicide has become a major health issue over the last few years, particularly for young men.

Project aims to provide support

He said: "This project aims to provide, as the name suggests, education, support and training for those at risk of suicide and also those community workers that are in frequent contact with young men.

"Specifically, the project will provide a suicide awareness package for those people in contact with young men.

"This will entail a series of seminars, which will cover a range of issues regarding suicide.

"We also intend to provide a series of mental health promotion classes for young people.

"We will be looking at coping with the break-up of a relationship, as well as anxiety management and relaxation."

The project is supported by the European Union Peace and Reconciliation Programmes through funding by the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust and mange d by the Mater Hospital Community Forum.

According to Mr McGowan, the ASSERT project will also be undertaking research into young male attitudes towards suicide, with Mount Gilbert Community College, as well as St Malachy's College and Ardoyne Youth Club already taking part.