Agenda item

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

The Stockport Suicide Prevention group (SSP) is a collaboration of local services, working together to prevent death and distress from suicide. The group has worked together for a number of years to raise awareness of suicide in Stockport. The attached Stockport Suicide Prevention Strategy has been prepared to highlight the work that the  suicide prevention group has progressed and to highlight further areas of work

The aims of the Strategy are:-

·         reduce the risk of suicide –using the evidence to target high risk groups

·         be a catalyst for change - ensure individuals, communities and services are able to recognise and respond to suicidal distress, including the needs of those affected by suicide

·         support action to enhance wellbeing and resilience in the population as a whole

An update on the work of the Samaritans and the Coroner’s Office will also be given.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to receive, comment on and support the approval of the Prevention Strategy which will be endorsed by the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Officer contact: Elysabeth Williams, 0161 474 2462, elysabeth.williams@stockport.gov.uk

Elysabeth Williams (Mental Health Advisor, Stockport Council) and Chris Jeffries (Chair, Stockport Samaritans) attended the meeting to present the Stockport Suicide Prevention Strategy (copies of which had been circulated). The Strategy had been developed by the Stockport Suicide Prevention Group, a collaboration of local services.

The following issues were highlighted:-

·         There was approximately one suicide every two weeks in Stockport.

·         Suicide was a significant cause of deaths for males, particularly those under 55.

·         For every suicide, 10 people would be directly affected, and this increases their own risk of suicide by three times. This risk was greater for young people.

·         The Samaritans received approximately 60 calls per day, of which 12 would have suicidal feelings. The remaining 48 were often very distressed.

·         There was no systematic approach to supporting those affected by suicide, beyond informing them of a death.

·         Partners had developed a training programme for front line staff to help them identify someone at risk and to make appropriate referrals.

·         Of those people who commit suicide, only 50% would be known to mental health services, making it difficult for agencies to identify those at risk.

·         Efforts were underway to create a ‘Sanctuary’ in Stockport, as in other Greater Manchester areas, that would allow those at risk or in crisis to seek out-of-hours support.

·         Partners had developed a web-based resource for those at risk of suicide, those concerned about someone else, those bereaved by suicide and professionals and front-line staff who had concerns about clients. The resources could be found at www.stockportsuicideprevention.org.uk

Councillors welcomed the Strategy and the proposal for a ‘Sanctuary’.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         There was often a challenge for men to discuss their feelings with others, particularly their own family. There was often a fear that raising concerns about suicide might induce it, but the evidence suggested that it was more likely to be beneficial.

·         The impact on an employee after a client commits suicide could often be significant and was often overlooked.

·         Tribute was paid to the work of the Samaritans particularly in light of their modest budget.

·         Often agencies would be dealing with the same individuals who would be at risk, so it might be useful for partners to undertake training jointly to share good practice.

·         There was no reference in the report to those in the LGTB community who may be at high risk. In response this was acknowledged, but it was stated that there were groups at higher risk in Stockport, but work was being undertaken within Greater Manchester in relation to this specific cohort.

·         How did partners seek to overcome the cultural challenges around suicide? In response it was stated that evidence suggested that religion could act as a protective factor, and there was no evidence that those from the BME community were more at risk in Stockport. However, it was acknowledged that there could be wider challenges around mental health stigma within specific communities.

·         What more could be done for those affected by suicide? In response it was stated that there was currently little support, although there were national policy drivers to change this. Partners in Cheshire West had developed a service that provided an early response to sudden deaths. It was also commented that schools and colleges would have a rapid response of support for pupils and staff when a young person in that institution committed suicide. The Samaritans would also provide a support rapid support for schools.

·         Stockport was a high risk area for suicide due to its physical environment. There was a challenge with raising awareness of the dangers and risks in Stockport without drawing attention to the specifics. Partners worked with media companies to discourage them from publishing the particulars of suicides.

·         Members commented on recent ‘live’ coverage of suicide attempts and the pejorative comments made by the public about inconvenience to commuters. Tackling this was part of the wider challenge of overcoming metal health stigma.

·         While most calls to the Samaritans were not from people who were suicidal, commissions and other agencies had the challenge to ensure that those individuals nearing ‘the edge’ could find appropriate support elsewhere.

·         Were partners working to address the challenge of those with disabilities, who were likely to have more of the risk factors for suicide and mental health problems generally? In response it was acknowledged that this group might be a particularly vulnerable one, but that there was not enough known about the problem. It was also commented that physical health featured in about four suicides in the previous year so more needed to be done to raise awareness of the risks with physical health practioners.

RESOLVED – (1) That Elysabeth Williams and Chris Jefferies be thanked for their attendance and presentation.

(2) That the Stockport Suicide Prevention Strategy be welcomed.