Kamal Patel (Public Health Specialty Registrar) and Jane Marley (Public Health Specialist) delivered the Suicide Prevention in Plymouth report to the Board and discussed:

a)    The new national strategy for Suicide Prevention 2023-2028;

b)    The risk factors contributing to suicide, and the effect on individuals and communities;

c)    The complexity and broad nature of Suicide Prevention;

d)    The benefits of openly talking about suicide;

e)    Nationally, suicide rates were not falling, and remained the largest killer of people under 35, and a leading cause of death for men under 50;

f)     Self harm and suicide rates for people under 25 had been increasing;

g)    Historic patterns in suicide data;

h)    Priority groups, common risk factors, and resulting actions identified in the national strategy;

i)     Plymouth experienced around 24 deaths by suicide each year;

j)     Delays in the reporting and recording of suicide deaths due to the Coroner’s Inquest process. These delays were exacerbated during the Covid-19 Pandemic;

k)    Plymouth’s suicide rates were currently marginally below the South West and national average;

l)     The role of the Plymouth Suicide Prevention Strategic Partnership in developing and delivering the Suicide Prevention Strategic Action Plan;

m)  The availability and activity of suicide bereavement support services;

n)    The importance of city-wide suicide prevention and awareness training.

In response to questions, the Board discussed:

o)    The importance of support and clear communication for those affected by a suicide bereavement, particularly during the Coroner’s process. Data had shown that those affected by suicide bereavements were more likely to also die by suicide;

p)    Nationally, service personnel were not considered a ‘priority group’ in the Suicide Prevention strategy however, Plymouth had included service personnel in the action plan locally.

The Board agreed:

1.    To recommend that Councillors were provided suicide prevention and awareness training, as well as emergency support contact details;

2.    To note and accept the latest Suicide Audit report;

3.    To review, feedback and comment on the Suicide Prevention Action Plan for 2024-25;

4.    To delegate to the Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, authority to sign off the Suicide Prevention Action Plan for 2024-25, following amendments;

5.    To add Suicide Prevention as a standing item on this Board’s work programme.