Agenda item

The existing B&NES 2016-19 Suicide Prevention Strategy was refreshed at the start of 2020. In autumn of 2020 we developed a draft action plan and would like to share this with the Children, Adults, Health & Wellbeing Panel before progressing to implementation.

The Associate Director of Public Health introduced this item to the Panel, a summary is set out below.

There are evidence-based actions we can take to reduce the risk of suicide

across our communities, for example amongst young people, men, people who

self-harm and people known to mental health services.

The purpose of the action plan is to deliver co-ordinated suicide prevention action within B&NES. The plan will be used as a framework to guide strategic direction and priorities for the period of 2020-2023. This is a living document and will be overseen and reviewed by the Suicide Prevention Group, a multiagency group chaired by Public Health B&NES. It will be accountable to the Health and Wellbeing Board and will report progress to the B&NES Community Safety and Safeguarding Partnership (BCSSP) through the Practice Review Group.

Involving those with lived experience and supporting providers is critical when bringing about collective change in suicide prevention, highlighting key gaps and establishing new ways of working. Therefore, one of the key principles of this action plan is to collaborate and engage with people with lived experience over the duration of this action plan.

The scope of this action plan has been informed through consultation with stakeholders, local need, reviewing national and local evidence based recommendations. The plan considers a life course approach and ensures communities of all ages and backgrounds are reflected in the actions.

The action plan and its impact will be monitored by the Suicide Prevention Group on a quarterly basis. Organisations and working groups who have provided actions will be encouraged to consider how they monitor and evaluate their own progress. An annual event will be held each year to showcase learning, provide an update on the progress of the action plan implementation and evolve further thinking.

Councillor Michelle O’Doherty asked if it was known why local self-harm hospital admission rates are higher than the England average.

The Associate Director of Public Health replied that this data needs further analysis and possibly on a national level.

Councillor Michelle O’Doherty asked how much effect it was felt that Covid-19 will impact on people’s mental health.

The Associate Director of Public Health replied that it is likely to directly impact people’s feelings relating to isolation and anxiety and that in the longer term issues such as job loss, relationship breakdown and bereavement could be factors to consider.

Councillor Jess David asked if in recent years if the suicide rates in B&NES had increased. She also asked if the local universities were involved with the work of the Action Plan.

The Associate Director of Public Health replied that the figures for the two previous years had been almost identical and had not seen an increase. He added that both universities were part of the Suicide Prevention Governance Group.

Kevin Burnett asked how could the information that three quarters of people who died were not in touch with secondary NHS mental health services, but many were in touch with their GP or another kind of health and care service in the months before their death be used going forward.

The Associate Director of Public Health replied that additional training will be carried out to help GP’s to try to reduce the stigma patients may have on discussing their mental health.

Councillor Alison Born commented on how important it is for people to have support at the time they need it and therefore hoped the helplines setup during the pandemic could continue.

Councillor Liz Hardman referred to section 2.4 of the table where it says ‘Ensure B&NES partners are aware of financial well-being as a risk factor for suicide and facilitate appropriate linkages between partners’. She added that in section 2.8 it says ‘Raise awareness of advice available on issues including debt, benefits, employment, housing, family and relationships etc’ but this is only offered by Citizens Advice. In both cases she asked could more be done.

The Associate Director of Public Health replied that Citizens Advice were highlighted in the plan as the lead agency and as such they have coordinating role.

Councillor Paul May commented that the plan possibly needed more of a Children & Young People focus and that organisations such as DHI (Developing Health & Independence), Mentoring Plus, Off The Record and BAPP (Bath Area Play Project) could be involved.

The Associate Director of Public Health replied that he would take that proposal away and assess it with colleagues.

Councillor Mark Roper asked if enough resources were available to carry out the work in the Action Plan.

The Associate Director of Public Health replied that it is a strategic piece of work that is part of the business as usual for the team. He added that some additional resources are received through the year from NHS England.

Councillor Ruth Malloy called for more of a focus on preventative work given the fact that 10-24-year olds have more than double the rates of self-harm compared to older adults.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the contents of the refreshed B&NES Suicide Prevention Action Plan.