Working together to help prevent suicide

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the Suicide Prevention Update report shows that most actions have either been achieved or are in progress.

Councillor Paulette Hamilton, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Suicide can have a devastating effect on families so it is vital we all do what we can to prevent people reaching such a level of despair.

“I’m pleased therefore to see progress being made, particularly the collaboration between such a wide range of organisations - Samaritans, Network Rail, the Aston Villa Foundation, Mind, Forward Thinking Birmingham, Centrala and the Polish community, the Slovak community, the LGBT Centre to name but a few.

“Something that should prove really beneficial is a survey  set up min collaboration with bereavement services that looks at the experience of those bereaved by suicide in terms of accessing services, and what can be improved – only by learning from those effected can we make a difference.

“We are continuing to work with the Zero Suicide Alliance on awareness training. It is free and gives some great advice on how to approach a simple conversation with someone in need – as quite often this can make a real difference. It looks at how to approach someone who may be vulnerable; how social isolation can affect mental health; the importance of breaking the stigma around suicide and encouraging open conversations.

“The Birmingham Suicide Prevention Strategy is about working with partners on every level, in every community, family and workplace and we must continue to work together to make a difference.”