Consultation Launched Over Suicide Prevention Strategy

A new consultation on preventing suicide has been launched today by the Care Services Minister, Paul Burstow.

Bereaved families and experts in general practice, local government, transport, mental health and criminal justice will all help to inform a new strategy to be published in the New Year.

The suicide strategy will place a new emphasis on family members. This means working with relatives to prevent a vulnerable person taking their own life and better supporting those who have been bereaved following a suicide.

Paul Burstow is meeting with the families of suicide victims today to hear their thoughts on how suicide can be prevented.

The families will continue to advise the Government on what care and support is valued by bereaved families, and those worried that a loved one is feeling suicidal.

The Government has asked the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Royal College of Nursing, NHS Confederation to share their views on how healthcare professionals should work with family members to prevent suicides. This is the beginning of a new discussion between Government and the medical profession on how to best take families into their confidence in helping a suicidal patient, whilst respecting patient confidentiality.

Paul Burstow said: “Losing a loved one to suicide is a tragedy. I want to make sure that we are doing all we can to prevent suicides and give vulnerable people the support they desperately need. I have been listening to families who have been bereaved following a suicide, and have called upon experts in healthcare, criminal justice and transport to help us put together a new strategy to save people from taking their own lives.

“It’s essential that family members get good emotional and practical support if they’ve lost a loved one to suicide. I have asked healthcare professionals and coroners to ensure that the Department of Health’s 'Help is at Hand' book is offered to help families cope in their bereavement.”

Alongside the Department of Health’s strategy consultation, Samaritans is appealing to all national suicide prevention organisations to join its Call to Action to pledge to undertake actions, independently or collectively, to prevent suicide.

(BMcN/GK)