Agenda item

The Director of Public Health submits the draft of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Suicide Strategy 2024-2029 to update the Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission.  

The Programme Manager for Mental Health presented the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Suicide Prevention Strategy draft. It was noted that:

·       The strategy contained evidence on deaths by suicide in Leicester.

·       Work has been done to enhance the community’s capacity for mental wellbeing.

·       The strategy has been collaborative with Leicestershire Police and aligns with the Health and Wellbeing Board, the Integrated Care Board and the partnership board for mental health.

In response to questions and comments from Members, it was noted that:

·       Those identified as highest risk are middle aged men. In Leicester, almost all the men are white, including those of European background but there have been far fewer from Asian or Black backgrounds.

·       Most often the men have had more deprived backgrounds or come from the more deprived areas of the city.

·       Rates of suicide have risen since covid and with the uncertainties that had followed such as the cost of living crisis.

·       Most people who have died by suicide aren’t known to services. They are a cohort of people who are lacking in community which has emphasised the importance of mental health friendly places in the local community.

·       Those with autism are at risk, particularly after a diagnosis when there has been little support.

·       The hope has been that this strategy can make the connections with autism and other long-term conditions, as well as raising awareness so communities can talk about taboo subjects.

·       Carers have been under tremendous pressure, particularly when they are not getting any respite. Awareness needs to be raised of the risks following diagnosis.

·       All Members of the Commisison and attendees have been encouraged to engage with the consultation for the strategy.

·       Eyres Monsell has an adult inclusion group. Groups like this have helped reduce isolation and have fostered community spirit. Ward funding is important to allow small groups an opportunity to do things like this.

·       The new Labour government has suggested a prevention agenda. In order to manage this data is being collected to analyse and will be shared. There has also been engagement with the NHS and Emergency Department to learn from each other around the issues affecting this cohort such as self-harm.

·       Every death by suicide is a tragedy and a more open and compassionate society is needed to help prevent these deaths.

·       Members have expressed they would like suicide prevention training to be provided so they can support constituents appropriately.

·       The strategy has been worked on by those with lived experience as well as officers as the individual experience needs to be articulated and learned from.

·       Members thanked officers for their work on this and for bringing it to the commission in a sensitive way.

·       There have recently been sessions across the city with the VCS around supporting people who have been affected by suicide.

·       It is important to acknowledge the support required will look different for different individuals. Mental health cafes may work for some but not all. Particularly when the level of diversity in neurodiversity has been considered.

·       The strategy has had a focus on reducing isolation, but what isolation means for individuals will differ. Some individuals have required other opportunities, such as gardening work on a project as a stepping stone to opening up when they were ready.

·       The strategy reflects the need for stepping stones for providing the individual support needed.

·       There has been outreach work and work with educational psychologists and children’s services so leadership could be improved and so that there is an enhanced understanding of issues.

Agreed:

·       Suicide Prevention Strategy to be added to the work programme for an annual update.

·       Members noted the report.