Issue - meetings

The Panel considered the report of the Chair of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel requesting that the Panel consider the quality of the Southampton Suicide Prevention plan and how effectively it is being implemented.

Dr Jason Horsley (Director of Public Health) and Sally Denley (Public Health Development Manager) were in attendance and, with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting.

It was explained that this item had come forward at the direct request of the House of Commons Health Committee who had recommended that there should be scrutiny of the implementation of the local suicide prevention plans.

It was noted that Southampton’s figures were a cause for concern. The Panel explored the potential reasons for the records showing a higher than average rate locally.  Officers stated that the reason for the high figures were unclear but, there did seem to be a correlation between the increase in suicides, both nationally and locally, and the performance of the economy.  Officers stated that figures also indicated that the biggest increase in numbers had been seen within the middle aged, white, male sector of society. 

It was explained that the figures reflected concerns and issues across Southampton but, noted that there were sections of society which tended to show higher rates of both suicide and attempted suicide and that work was being undertaken to support individuals within these groups through community engagement and a variety of methods. 

It was explained that whilst the amount of finance allocated by the Council to this issue was small it was being used as effectively as possible. Officers identified that some of the funding had been used to support communities and the families of those who had committed suicide.  The Panel explored how additional support could be given through programmes of education in schools and sports clubs.

RESOLVED that the report be noted and that further updates be brought to the Panel in due course.