Strategy moves to reduce suicide rate

A STRATEGY that aims to dramatically reduce the number of suicides across Warwickshire has been published, writes Becky Hart.

Most recent statistics show that in 2013 and 2014 105 people in the county died by suicide, as confirmed by coroner’s conclusions.

This compares to 51 recorded deaths by road accident in Warwickshire during the same period.

And Warwickshire County Council has produced the document, which sets out its plans to providing specialist suicide prevention training for GPs, targeted prevention campaigns, to work with specialist mental health services and the local media to deliver sensitive reporting on suicides and suicidal behaviour, and to reduce the impact of suicide on survivors, families and the bereaved.

It was launched on Sunday, 10th September, World Suicide Prevention Day.

Cllr Les Caborn, the council’s portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said: “Every death by suicide is a tragedy and impacts families, friends and the wider community, and this is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to working with our partners to reducing the rates and providing better support for those bereaved by suicide.

"We all have a role to play in achieving the zero suicide ambition set out in the strategy.”

Read the strategy in full HERE