Issue - meetings

To receive the Telford & Wrekin Suicide Prevention Strategy.

The Consultant in Public Health provided Members of the Board with an overview of the updated Suicide Prevention Strategy. The strategy had been reframed to consider the council's approach to partnership working in order to reduce and prevent suicides and their impact on residents. The Consultant in Public Health noted that the strategy had been updated in line with the update to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, which was recently published.

Members heard that the core principles from the previous Strategy had been retained, focusing on: addressing the myths and stigma of suicide, as well as raising awareness of suicide risk across our communities; improving access to timely and appropriate support for anyone affected or bereaved by suicide; ensuring those most likely to connect with higher risk and vulnerable groups of suicide, have the right skills and confidence to appropriately intervene or signpost to early support in a compassionate manner.

The Consultant in Public Health shared that much progress had been made since on this strategy since inception in 2017, citing the launch of the new Shropshire Telford and Wrekin Suicide and Unexpected Death Bereavement Service in January 2021 and the promotion of the Zero Suicide Alliance training. The latter of which had become mandatory for many health and social care staff. The Consultant in Public Health reported to the Board that partnership working and networks created around promoting this strategy were strong, leading to the success of events such as the World Suicide Prevention Day held in Southwater recently.

Members highlighted the importance of suicide prevention being a visible topic of the Health and Wellbeing Board and proposed it be brought to other boards, such as the Children and Adult Safeguarding Boards.

RESOLVED – that the Board approve the refreshed Telford & Wrekin Suicide Prevention Strategy for 2023/24 – 2027/28.