North Northamptonshire council launches new suicide prevention initiatives
They're aiming to tackle rising local suicide rates above the national average
North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) has announced steps it is taking to reduce the number of suicides in the area, after figures show rates are above the national average.
A particular focus on prevention for men aged between 45 to 64 years old has also been highlighted, as an audit demonstrated that the group had “higher risk factors” than others.
A report being taken to the council’s health and wellbeing board next week (Tuesday, November 9) has emphasised the authority’s objectives to strengthen work to reduce self-harm and suicide prevention and reduce wider mental health-related inequities.
A retrospective suicide audit undertaken for North Northants indicates higher rates among males compared to females and also identifies evidence of several triggers within the profile of those who died, including bereavement, loneliness and social factors.
In North Northamptonshire, as of 2023, hospital admissions as a result of self-harm were 131.8 per 100,000 population, which is higher than the national average of 126.3. National research from the Coroners’ Suicide Audit found that half of those who died by suicide had a history of self-harm and/or previous suicide attempts.
It was also noted that people living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) – for example, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression – face one of the greatest health inequality gaps in England, with life expectancy 15 to 20 years shorter than that for the general population.
Council documents state it is estimated that 50 per cent of deaths in people living with SMI are attributable to smoking and also highlight a need for an increased focus on reducing smoking in this cohort and investigating opportunities to improve their physical health.
The council has set out various projects planned, including rolling out training to NNC customer service on ‘compassionate conversations’, the development of a new council Suicide Prevention Strategy and action plan, and discussions to develop an SMI and smoking cessation training.
Another initiative highlighted is the Orange Button scheme, which is a community-based suicide prevention initiative that trains individuals to become identifiable points of contact for those in emotional distress and wear an orange button to signal that they are safe to approach and can listen, support, and signpost to help.
The issue will be discussed further at the Corby Cube council chamber next week.