Issue - meetings

Background:

The report presented the multi-agency Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Strategy for 2015-2020, attached at Appendix 1 of the report.

This strategy was a continuation of the 2010-2015 Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Strategy. It combined local evidence with national research and policy direction to set out the partnership priorities and framework for suicide prevention across Kent and Medway for the next five years. It contained the first year’s implementation plan.

It was noted that the strategic priorities identified for Kent and Medway were to:

•        reduce risk in key high risk groups

•        tailor approaches to improve mental health and wellbeing in Kent and Medway

•        reduce access to the means of suicide

•        provide better information and support to those bereaved or affected by suicide

•        support the media in delivering sensitive approaches to suicide and suicidal behaviour

•        support research, data collection and monitoring.

Appendix II to the strategy set out details of the public consultation undertaken to support the strategy development and an Equality Impact Assessment formed part of the Strategy. The Assessment had identified that there was no evidence to suggest that the updating of the Suicide Prevention Strategy would have an adverse impact on individuals because of any protected characteristic.

It was reported that the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Medway’s Health and Wellbeing Board had considered the report and accompanying strategy on 11 August and 15 September 2015 respectively. Details of the discussions were set out within the Cabinet report.

Reasons:

The Strategy has been developed following consultation and reflects national priorities. By adopting the Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Strategy for 2015-2020 the priorities and framework for suicide prevention across Kent and Medway for the next five years are set out. It contained the first year’s implementation plan.