Agenda item

This report describes progress to date to reduce suicide in Northumberland and sets out priorities for continuing to help reduce suicide over the period 2021-2025.  Following approval of the strategy, a detailed action plan will be produced.

Members received a report describing progress to date to reduce suicide in Northumberland and setting out priorities for continuing to help reduce suicide over the period 2021-2025. 

Pam Lee, Consultant in Public Health, raised the following key points:-

·            Suicide figures for Northumberland were low but the rate was higher than the regional and national average.  However, one or two incidents could quickly cause a change in the trend and data.

·            The Executive Summary took into account where Northumberland was in terms of its data and COVID-19.  The psychological effects of the pandemic could be present for 10-20 years.  The data appeared to show a reduction in suicide figures nationally, however, this could be a false picture due to delays within the Coroner’s system in confirming suicides.

·            Priorities – Some people were at higher risk than others and the risk spread over a whole range of the population from those in our most to least deprived areas.

·            There was a multi-agency approach with the CCG, Adults and Children’s Safeguarding Teams, Mental Health Trust, and the Voluntary Sector.  All the services which were commissioned were listed in the report. 

·            Defining suicide was very important as it was a very emotive subject. A lot of information was contained in the report to aid this understanding. 

·            The economic impact of suicide could not be underestimated and there was a clear link between unemployment and suicide.  Good quality jobs with support built in were very important. 

·            The way suicide was reported in the press was important as there could be a contagious effect. 

·            The following factors were known to increase the risk of suicide: Age and sex, mental illness, substance misuse, social isolation and loneliness, gender and ethnicity, veterans, prisoners and those in contact with the criminal justice system.

·            Efforts were being made in conjunction with the British Transport Police and Network Rail to design out the likelihood of suicide and trespass on railway lines.

·            A lot of work was carried out around good mental health promotion and prevention and support.  Efforts were being made to improve young people’s mental health.

·            There were a whole range of online sites and trainers who could help someone identified to be at risk. 

The following comments were made in response to questions:

·            It was important to ensure that professionals were trained and sensitive to risk to be able to make a difference to a person.  Also to look for opportunities missed and what services were available.  Some individuals may attempt suicide several times before succeeding whereas with others there was no warning.

·            The Samaritans was a very highly regarded service, however, they were only able to signpost people to other services who may be able to help an individual.  The organisation did promote itself at sites where there was a high risk of suicide.

·            The CNTW Mental Health Trust dealt with individuals who were distressed or depressed.  It was feared that suicides would increase during the pandemic due to social isolation, however, this appeared not to be the case.  Many did still feel anxiety arising out of the pandemic and also with fears about society opening up again.  The Trust worked with a number of other organisations in this area.  Some people in the public eye such as footballers or social media stars were opening up about what it was like to be considering suicide. 

·            Discussions had been held with Network Rail regarding the unmanned railway station at Cramlington to see if there were ways to improve the outlook of the station.  It was hoped to secure the open line around the station and it was known to be an area popular with young people using alcohol and drugs.  It was noted that local County Councillors and Cramlington Town Council were keen to see improvements and refurbishment at the station.

RESOLVED that

(1)       Progress to date be noted.

(2)       The revised Suicide Strategy 2021-25 be accepted.