An update suicide prevention strategy focused on supporting five key support areas is set to be discussed at the county council’s cabinet meeting.
The proposed strategy will set out how the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Suicide Audit and Prevention Group will help to prevent suicide and reduce the number of people thinking about, planning or attempting to end their lives.
If approved by cabinet, a public consultation on the draft strategy will take place in the winter.
Picture: Leicestershire County Council
Priority areas include support for:
- Children and young people
- People with a history of self-harm
- People who have lost someone to suicide
- Higher risk groups and locations within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Councillor Louise Richardson, cabinet member for health and chair of the Leicestershire Health and Wellbeing board, said: “Suicide is everybody’s business – a person’s mental health is as important as their physical health and one in 10 people are estimated to be personally affected by every suicide that takes place.
“That’s why we’re pleased to have worked on this updated strategy, and we want residents and organisations to tell us what they think.
“The strategy will make a big difference but we need your help too- if you suspect someone isn’t feeling ok, ask them.”
The cabinet will discuss the proposals at 2pm on 22 October – watch online at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/webcast.
Leicestershire County Council’s ‘Start a conversation’ website includes advice and guidance, aimed at people who may be having suicidal thoughts, are at risk of suicide, those who are worried about someone else & people who’ve been bereaved as a result of suicide. Visit www.startaconversation.co.uk for more information.
