Agenda item

Phil Ainsworth, Public Health Specialist Practitioner provided an update and insight into the experiences of people who have been bereaved by suicide.

Members heard that Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) was a charity that provides face to face support. The Barnsley group was established 12 months ago, and excellent feedback had been received from group members.  It was recognised that this was a unique form of grief and people valued the time and space with people who understand what they’re going through.  A huge thanks was provided to volunteers who give up their time to run the group every month.

A number of issues which required consideration at a wider system level were noted which included issues surrounding and media organisations reporting insensitively. This was being discussed with the local press. In addition, suicide specialise bereavement providers could support on what inquests entailed and support the family through the process.

Also discussed was the support for children which included with emotional health and wellbeing, and support at school with trauma. A service to support children and young with  bereavement had been commissioned and  60 children were on waiting list. However, the service was only commissioned until end of July next year.  Supporting bereavement work with more urgency towards children’s support was required, ensuring highly skilled counsellors are retained and providing longevity to much needed services.

It was acknowledged that there was a lack of understanding around mental health services and this was often referred to as an umbrella term, with the need for services to be tailored to the individual. There was also a need to manage expectations to understand what the offer was and what people could expect from the service.

It was noted that real-time surveillance data from South Yorkshire Police showed trends of people who have chronic pain taking their own life.

Mental health services could also be better promoted, and residents made aware of support available; ensuring pathways enable full access to people and increasing opportunities for referrals.

The recommendations for improvement were supported and thanks were provided for the report.

The people-powered approach to health and wellbeing and the invaluable insight from peer support was noted, as was the need for consistency and long-term arrangements.

It was felt that the case study and storytelling in the report was key, and the effects of online platforms were noted. Members heard how Chili Pep had commissioned a toolkit to assist with this. Members were made aware that numbers of suicides appeared to have reduced which is testament to the work taking place. There had been a significant decrease for Barnsley but also a need to keep providing the current services and more.

Peer support was thought clearly invaluable to the group members and prevention was seen as key, and the mental health effects on close family and friends as a result of a suicide were acknowledged.

It was acknowledged that this needed to be a key focus for Barnsley and partners to be committed to tackling suicide as one suicide death is too many.

RESOLVED that the Board notes and supports the report.