Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report from the Director of Public Health, which gave an overview of work taking place to reduce suicides at a local, regional and national level.

The report provided ONS data on suicides at all levels; gave information on the Local Suicide Prevention Action Plan; and described key actions and successes which included work taking place at a regional level, where Halton contributed to and benefitted from.  Regionally, there was the Cheshire and Merseyside Suicide prevention Strategy and Action Plan, and the Beyond Children and Young People Transformation Programme.  The National Suicide Prevention Strategy and its areas of focus were also presented.

Following the presentation the following was discussed:

·         Mental health risk assessments in the workplace – Halton has a workplace offer for staff as individuals and in the workplace.  This offer is also available to all Elected Members;

·         Mental Health Services for young people in Halton – these included CAMHS, a 24-hour crisis team (which offered signposting to other services); an educational psychology team as well as mental health support staff in schools; and there were areas of the voluntary sector that offered support;

·         Children accessing the internet at school using phones and accessing harmful content – this was recognised as a huge problem and added to teacher pressures as well.  A piece of work was taking place with secondary schools and colleges on what to do in a mental health crisis.  Schools were also informed of ‘Ripple’ a browser extension for the internet, which had been installed by Riverside College;

·         People with autism were also at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population;

·         The numbers of suicides amongst children in care and care leavers in Halton were too low to see any trends.  However, Manchester University did have evidence on the risk factors for these groups; the Officer would send the link to Members after the meeting;

·         Prevention training for staff, volunteer groups and people in the community – this was available and information would be sent following the meeting;

·         The importance of mental health education and training for schools staff was important;

·         One Member’s comments relating to the CAMHS service for young people would be passed to the ICB; and

·         Recognition that some suicide victims were unknown to agencies as they did not present themselves to seek mental health support.

Members welcomed the information and the good work being carried out using the Suicide Prevention Strategy.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.