To approve a Suicide Prevention Strategy for Herefordshire 2025 - 2029. The strategy has been developed in collaboration with local partners and highlights our commitment to reduce the number of local lives lost to suicide. The strategy takes a whole-county, all-age approach. It is intended that partner organisations will each take forward actions and work collaboratively to reduce the number of suicides in Herefordshire.

ChildrenCHTHE MEMBER the The member for adults, health and wellbeing introduced the report.  It highlighted that the strategy intends to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts to try and save a life. It was noted that 34 organisations had been consulted, 64 members of the public responded to an online survey, 7 people with lived experience were interviewed and the council engaged with the youth board.  It was queried at the PGC if the average age for people who took their own life was accurate at between ages 45-64 and it was confirmed that more recent figures showed that the average age was between 25-44.  The reason for the difference was because of the small numbers, meaning they fluctuated each quarter. 

Noted the Baton of Hope event was taking place next week, Hereford was honoured to have the chance, and was the only county in the West Midlands. 

Comments from cabinet members.  Full support was given, and it was highlighted there was also support for veterans, which alongside the strategy encouraged them to reach out for support. It was noted that it was always a brave thing to ask for help and it can happen for a range of reasons, the strategy should be promoted so people were aware of where they can go for support and address their concerns.

Group leaders gave the views of their groups.  There was support for the strategy and group leaders confirmed they would be promoting it.  Caution was expressed regarding the language used and the wording around how life was worth living even on days when a person was not feeling hopeful.  It was raised that whilst the strategy focused on one point in a person’s life there were other contextual points and the council should be mindful of this, particularly considering the reports regarding the budget. 

In response to group leaders, it was highlighted that the council always strived for the health and wellbeing of its residents, and it was crucial Herefordshire council had strategies like this in place.

Councillor Gandy proposed the recommendations, and it was unanimously resolved that:

That:

a)    The Herefordshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2029 at appendix 1 be approved