Westmorland and Furness Council has announced that it has endorsed a new plan that will see a number of partners coming together to reduce the number of suicides in its rural communities.
The Suicide Prevention action plan was developed by the Cumbria Suicide Prevention Leadership Group and has set out a number of priorities. These include reducing the number of people dying by suicide, reducing the number of attempted suicides, improving the support for those who self-harm, and give more support to those who are bereaved or affected by suicide.
This comes as 44% of the 303 people that died by suspected suicide between January 2020 and December 2023 were in Westmorland and Furness, whilst the suicide rate in the region in the significantly higher than the national average. It also has the third highest suicide rate in the North West of England, with only Cumberland and Blackpool sitting higher.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s Director of Public Health, Katrina Stephens, said:
“Every death by suicide is an individual tragedy, which is why reducing the number of suicides in Westmorland and Furness is a key ambition for us, and also for so many Health and Wellbeing Board partner organisations.
“Talking about feelings, including suicidal thoughts, can be scary, and only 45 per cent of people feel comfortable to talk about suicidal thoughts. But doing so can help people get the help they need, and may even save a life.
“We will continue working together to reduce the stigma around suicide, raise awareness of suicide prevention, strengthen mental health and early intervention support and provide better support to those affected by suicide.”
Now that the plan has been endorsed, it will be overseen by the council’s Health and Wellbeing Board, and will be reviewed and updated every year.
Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Patricia Bell, also commented:
“Sadly, the effects of suicide are far-reaching and long-lasting on family, friends and the community. We are committed to working with our partners to ensure action to prevent suicide continues to be improved.
“Preventing suicide is a responsibility for all of us and I am hopeful our continued collaborative working will make a real difference across Westmorland and Furness.”
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