BCP Council plan aims to reach people at risk of suicide before crisis point
BCP Council is considering a new plan to help people struggling with their mental health before they reach crisis point
BCP Council is proposing earlier support for people struggling with their mental health, as it seeks to strengthen suicide prevention across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Cabinet members will consider an updated suicide prevention action plan on October 28th, setting out measures intended to identify people at risk sooner and help them access support before reaching crisis point.
The proposals include specialist training for council staff to help them recognise warning signs, hold compassionate conversations with people who may be struggling and guide them towards appropriate help.
The strategy also aims to improve support for people bereaved by suicide, as the council acknowledges each death or passing of a loved one has a profound and lasting effect on families, friends, colleagues and wider communities.
Cllr David Brown, BCP Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said the plan was intended to turn concern into practical action and strengthen support before people reached a point of crisis.
“Behind every statistic is a person, and people who love them,” he said.
Cllr Brown said the council wanted more people to feel confident recognising when someone might be struggling, starting a conversation and knowing where to turn for help.
He also emphasised the importance of working with health, education, voluntary and community organisations to build a stronger network around people who need support.
“We want people across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to know that it is okay to talk about suicide, that asking someone if they are struggling can matter, and that nobody should feel they have to face a difficult moment alone,” he said.
The action plan sets out practical steps to improve prevention and early intervention, develop the skills of workers who come into contact with vulnerable residents and strengthen support for those affected by suicide.
If cabinet members approve the proposals, implementation will be overseen by a newly established Suicide Prevention Delivery Group.
The decision is due to be considered by cabinet on 28 October.