Issue - meetings

The Board received a report from the Strategic Director People, which presented an update on progress in implementing the Halton Suicide Prevention Strategy (2015-2020).  This was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

It was reported that suicide was a major public health issue and each suicide in Halton was an individual tragedy and a terrible loss to local families and communities.  The numbers of people who took their own life in Halton each year were low, however those ending their own life should be viewed as the tip of the iceberg, and locally levels of distress and suicide attempts would be much higher.  So although deaths by suicide in Halton were low, there was still a need for continuing vigilance and action around suicide prevention.

The report discussed the Strategy and its vision; areas for action; and outcomes and key achievements.   It also provided information on the Halton Suicide Prevention Partnership multi agency group.

Members discussed the data relating to suicides in Halton and it was commented that some incidents may go unreported as the data could only include those deaths given a suicide verdict by the Coroner. 

It was noted that the report and Strategy was based on data available in 2013; as the figures of suicide were low in Halton, it was necessary to do analysis’s every 3 years.

RESOLVED:  That the Board

1)    notes the report and Strategy; and

2)    supports the continued implementation of the Strategy, recommendations and actions.