Shropshire Council Overview and Scrutiny Members Highlight Support for Suicide Prevention

Overview and Scrutiny Members of Shropshire Council have been focusing on issues and services about mental health over recent months. At their meeting on the 25th November they focused on understanding more about what could be contributing to more people with a serious mental illness dying than expected, and actions and approaches that are being taken to reach out to and support people thinking about and attempting suicide.

Members expressed their support for efforts to help people and reduce the risk of their attempting suicide and were concerned about support to those people bereaved and affected as a result of a suicide, especially where there was a risk that they could also be thinking about taking their own life. They reflected on the importance of people and those helping or caring for them knowing where to go to for support, advice and services, particularly when people were at greatest risk, especially following incidents or at times of the year where they might be more vulnerable.

To inform their work, members heard from professionals from the Council’s public health team and adult social care, STW Integrated Care Board, and Midland Partnership Foundation Trust.

Councillor Peggy Mullock Chair of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee who jointly worked on this topic said:

“Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and I was very pleased the Committees had prioritised this topic.

“The festive period can be a lonely and concerning for some people, and during this time, as always in the year, I hope that those in need know they are not alone and can access the help they deserve.”

Agencies across the county will be highlighting the support on offer and reminding residents that services will be open throughout the festive period.

Councillor Geoff Elner Chair of the HOSC added:

“This is a topic we feel is very important and Members wanted to highlight to anyone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or are caring for someone who is that they are not alone and can access immediate support through several channels, and we are passionate that information about services and support is easy to find and use.

“Please remember to “pick up the phone, you are not alone”

‘Pick up the phone you are not alone’ resource pick-up-phone-z-card-single-pages.pdf produced by Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Suicide Prevention Network, provides brief advice and guidance on how to address concerns and first point of contacts for confidential support and a listening ear.

In addition, there are wide a range of different places that people can be directed to for advice, support and services in Shropshire:

• NHS 111 Mental Health Option: Available 24/7, this service offers crisis support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Shropshire Mental Health Support: Provides immediate support for anyone with an emotional or mental health need. Contact them at 01743 368 647.
• Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Talking Therapies: A free NHS service offering a range of therapies for common mental health problems. Self-referrals can be made via their website or by phone.
• Healthy Lives Shropshire: Offers a variety of resources for mental well-being, including listening ear and emotional support, community support, and mental health services. More information can be found on their website Healthy Shropshire | Shropshire Council
• Suicide Prevention Resources: Available on the Shropshire Healthy Lives website, these resources include information on how to help someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and where to find support Suicide concerns and prevention | Shropshire Council.  
• Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Suicide and Sudden Unexpected Death Bereavement Service: is for anyone affected by suicide or possible suicide.   This service is available to families, friends, colleagues and anyone living in Shropshire Telford and Wrekin who feels affected by a suicide and can help find the path to the right support, understanding and recovery. Email: bereavementsupport@shropshiremhs.com or Call 07483 906788.