Action urged over child suicide

NI Children's Commissioner is Nigel Williams

The government must take action to reduce the number of child suicides in Northern Ireland, a watchdog has urged.

Nigel Williams, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), said resources to tackle the issue needed to be combined.

Mr Williams was speaking ahead of a NICCY conference entitled "Hope".

He said the conference would give those responsible for developing policies to address the problem the chance to meet with over 100 young people.

"One of the things we want to happen is identifying ways that policy and working practices change. By bringing best practice together at today's event we can really focus on what works," he said.

Policy

Mr Williams said the agenda for Tuesday's conference was developed with the assistance of young people.

"While we at NICCY recognised the need for a conference to bring together best practice in this area, it was the young people who helped shape the day and identify the areas they wanted covered."

The conference is being held at the Park Avenue Hotel in Belfast.

A commissioner to look after children's rights in Northern Ireland was appointed in June 2003.

Mr Williams was selected by young people themselves from 39 international applicants.

It was the first appointment of its kind in Northern Ireland, and only the second in the UK following a similar role set up in Wales.