To approve a Suicide Prevention Strategy for Herefordshire 2019 - 2023.

The strategy sets out the profile of suicide in Herefordshire and steps that can be taken to contribute to its prevention.  It is intended that partner organisations will each take action and also work collaboratively to reduce the number of suicides in Herefordshire.

The strategy builds upon national strategy, policy and guidance. It includes a shared vision and key priority areas.  The vision of the strategy is aligned to the national strategy in seeking to achieve a greater than 10% reduction in the number of suicides by 2021. This includes a zero suicide ambition for mental health inpatient services.  There are complexities in interpreting fact and figures in respect of suicide, but overall numbers and rates in Herefordshire are seen to be consistent with national trends.

Partners will be jointly responsible for the delivery of the strategy.  The Mental Health Partnership Board will oversee the development of an action plan, which partners will then be responsible for delivering. 

That:

(a)       The Herefordshire suicide prevention strategy 2019-2023 at appendix 1 be approved.

1.         Not to approve the suicide prevention strategy for Herefordshire.  This option is not recommended as the joint strategy will benefit the residents of Herefordshire to have a robust strategy and subsequent action plan in place that aims to reduce the number of preventable deaths by suicide.