Agenda item

Report of the Director of Public Health

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (previously circulated) updating Members in relation to the priority of reducing suicide rates in Darlington; an update on the current data, work currently underway and planned next steps and challenges; and an overview of the different services available locally to support good mental health, including specific suicide prevention services.

The submitted report stated that rates of suicide in Darlington were higher than the England average and the third highest in the North East; that rates were higher in men in particular aged 45-64; and that local authorities had a lead responsibility for coordinating local action to support suicide prevention, working alongside other statutory partners and local community organisations in order to be effective and reduce duplication.

It was reported that suicidal thoughts and actions rarely occurred in isolation but were the result of a complex interactions of people’s individual factors, social and economic circumstances and cultural expectations; and therefore, a system-wide approach was needed to address the wider challenges facing those in suicidal crisis. The report outlined the key actions and opportunities.

Details were provided on statistics relating to suicide including inequalities by age and sex, self harm admission and the report outlined the suicide prevention approach and the associated areas for action. Particular reference was made to the work being undertaken in respect of men’s mental health support, including a task and finish group that had been established to develop a marketing campaign to highlight the specific support available in Darlington for men experiencing suicidal crisis.

Reference was also made to training as a key area for action. Members were advised that community based training was being commissioned by the local authority which would be open to people within the borough and that training dates would be shared with Members. Details were also provided on the post-vention support after suicide (commissioned by the ICB) which includes practical and emotional support to those affected by suicide or suspected suicide and is provided by If U Care Share Foundation.

Discussion ensued regarding the suicide statistics; and Members sought clarification regarding the follow-up within 48 hours for those discharged from mental health in-patient admissions and implications of organisations practicing the 72 hour time frame in line with NHS guidelines.

Further discussion ensued regarding the support services in place for adults; and Members raised concern regarding the impact of gambling on mental health and queried the availability of grants and education programmes to address this. The Director of Public Health advised Members that there was increasing evidence to suggest gambling was a risk factor for suicide; that a regional gambling public health network had been established and work was ongoing in this area including gambling now being part of the Make Every Contact Count training offer; and a gambling health needs assessment had been developed by public health and was awaiting publication.

A Member in attendance at the meeting extended their thanks, recognising the work undertaken in relation to suicide prevention in the past year.

RESOLVED – That Members of the Health and Housing Scrutiny Committee: -

a)      Accept the content of the report

b)      Consider the recommendations and key actions set out in the report, and the role of elected members and scrutiny in supporting them.

c)      Identify any further opportunities to address the important issue of suicide prevention.