A new strategy which aims to reach out to people in Gloucestershire and reduce the number of suicides in the county has been agreed.
The launch of the five-year plan coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day (Thursday 10th September) and has been brought together by the Gloucestershire Suicide Prevention Partnership Forum (GSPPF) representing partners from public, price private and the voluntary and community sector, as well as people with lived experience.
The plan which was also approved by the Gloucestershire Health and Wellbeing Board aims to reduce the rate of suicide in Gloucestershire by raising awareness and signposting people to help available.
Partners will also work together to support people who have been affected by a suicide, as well as helping to prevent loss of life through targeted campaigns, training for people who work with those who are most at risk of suicide and by sharing information more effectively so that timely action can be taken.
Councillor Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for public health and communities, said: “Working with all of our partners, including those in the NHS, I want to continue to do whatever is necessary to see the number of suicides in Gloucestershire reducing. Along with other partners in Gloucestershire we must continue to explore every avenue to find the most effective ways to enable people to find help and advice at the time when they need it most. Suicide is a complicated and sensitive issue and I’d like to thank those who have shared their personal experiences so that we could develop this strategy.”
Jennifer Taylor, Gloucestershire County Council’s lead commissioner for public health commissioned services and chair of the GSPPF, said: “The forum has come together to ensure that we are all working together to reduce the number of suicides in Gloucestershire. There are many sources of confidential help available to all those that need it so we would urge people to ask for support.”
Gordon Benson, Assistant Director of Clinical Governance for 2gether NHS Foundation Trust and Vice-Chair of GSPPF, said: “World Suicide Prevention Day acts as an important reminder that far too many people internationally, nationally and locally lose their lives through suicide every year. Through our countywide group and the work of many individuals and organisations across Gloucestershire we can make a difference and work together to provide the right support so that people don’t feel that ending their own life is their only solution.”
To find out more and to find sources of help please visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/suicide-prevention