Council and local organisations re-enforce commitment to help reduce suicide in Telford and Wrekin
The Telford & Wrekin Suicide Prevention Strategy 2023-2028 has been recently approved by the Health & Wellbeing Board*, re-enforcing the joint commitment of the council and local organisations to reduce and prevent suicide and its impact on borough residents.
The 2023 – 2028 Telford & Wrekin Suicide Prevention Strategy demonstrates the collaborative work of the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Suicide Prevention Network - a partnership which includes both local authorities, local NHS and health partners, emergency and blue light services (including the police and fire service), community and voluntary sector organisations and experts by experience.
The strategy aims to prevent the preventable by significantly reducing the number of people in the borough who take their own life.
It builds on the 2017 Suicide Prevention Strategy and it has been developed with input from people with lived experience, carers, volunteers and professionals.
Cllr Kelly Middleton (Lab), Cabinet Member for Healthy, Safer & Stronger Communities and Partnerships, said: “Each year there are sadly, on average, 17 cases of suicide in Telford and Wrekin. Every life lost to suicide is an enormous tragedy, impacting families, friends and communities.
“Although much has been achieved over the last years (including the launch of a real time suspected suicide surveillance system and suicide bereavement support service), there is still much we can do to prevent suicide in our borough and ensure vulnerable people are connected to the right support, at the right time.
“Over the next five years, we will continue to work together with local partners, groups as well as with families affected by suicide to bring down suicides in our borough.
“Our joint actions are detailed in the 2023-2028 Telford & Wrekin Suicide Prevention Strategy and include enhancing mental health awareness, providing targeted support to high-risk groups, ensuring all professionals and volunteers are well-equipped for their roles and more.
“There are certain group of people we know who are at greater risk than others and targeting support where it is most needed is an important focus.
“We are also calling on the public’s support to help prevent suicide by reaching out and directing those in need to available support services in our borough, including Samaritans, Telford Mind and other organisations listed on the Healthy Telford website. “
To read the full Telford & Wrekin Suicide Prevent Strategy 2023-2028, visit the Council’s website.
Photo taken on World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 at Southwater Square event
