Agenda item

Dr Elliott Roy-Highley, Public Health Registrar introduced the report on suicide prevent strategy 2021-2025, which outlined the strategic intention for the number of Barnet residents lost to suicide to fall every year.

During the discussion members emphasised the importance of listening services and asked whether there were any local services in Barnet that provided this or whether it just national services that were promoted. Dr Roy-Highley said that there were no specific Barnet listening services, however all the national services, such as the Samaritans, were promoted as a place for residents to find help.

Members raised the requirement for the suicide strategy to be holistic and to ensure that young people were supported from an early age, where there are any signs of suicidal feelings or thoughts. Dr Roy-Highley explained that this was the approach that would be taken and that services across the Council would be working together to ensure the strategy supported all those at risk. The strategy had been co-produced with the multi-agency Barnet Suicide Prevention Partnership to ensure it met the needs of residents on both a national and local level. The intention was for the strategy to be insight-led, informed by evidence of what works, as well as practical, achievable, and effective. Dr Roy-Highley said the long-term strategic approach would ensure that the strategy had the greatest impact on suicide prevention.

Members asked questions about how and when they should be making referrals to mental health services if they were concerned about the wellbeing of a resident. Dr Roy-Highley explained that each individual case would be different but encouraged members to complete the online training course available on the topic, to further their understanding of mental health and suicide prevention.

Members noted that mental health and suicide was a complex subject and that often those that needed support the most were reluctant to seek help. Dr Roy-Highley advised that there were many online services available, which this demographic of individuals often felt more comfortable using, for example QWELL. Questions regarding the awareness and training of medical professionals was also discussed. Officers explained that training was provided to all primary care providers, with those specifically working in medical professions given training on suicide interventions.

Members asked whether austerity had impacted on the rate of suicide. Officers advised that the data on suicide was not available for 2020 yet, but that in Barnet the 2019 data had demonstrated there had been a slight fall in the number of deaths by suicide. However, nationally the picture was different, with no fall in suicide rates being recorded.

Members asked about the level of support available to families, particularly parents of children at risk of suicide or having attempted suicide. Dr Roy-Highley explained that the resilient schools programme was working directly with children and parents to train them on both awareness of the topic and in helping to reduce the stigma surrounding self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The purpose of the training was to encourage those struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-harm to seek the medical help needed. Members also enquired as to what services were available to those that had survived suicide. Officers explained that the crisis team or A&E was the most appropriate place to seek help immediately following any suicide attempt. Following treatment at one of these settings, mental health services would be provided in the longer term to assist individuals with their recovery.

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The Chairman asked whether any actions had arisen regarding the strategy after it was presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board. Dr Roy-Highley said the main action had been to work closely with children and family services, with a meeting being set up with the senior leadership team within this directorate to ensure the strategy met the needs of young people and families and integrated into existing strategies.

Members requested an update on the suicide strategy be brought back to the committee in a years’ time. It was agreed that this item would be added to the committee forward work programme.

RESOLVED that the Committee:

-          Noted and discussed the report.

-          Continue to receive an annual update on suicide prevention and progress against the 2021-2023 action plan.

-          Receive the 2023-25 action plan in 2023.