Agenda item

The meeting received a report and presentation giving an overview of the latest cross-government suicide prevention strategy and an update on work in Barnsley.  The presentation highlighted data in relation to suicide in the borough, drawn from a recent audit, and the meeting noted the focus of an action plan to achieve a 10% reduction in suicides by 2021.  Members noted the extent to which suicide was preventable, given the right focus and support for vulnerable people, and welcomed the use of social media and engagement with local media, such as the Barnsley Chronicle, to get the message across.  The meeting considered what more could be done to make contact with people who might be at risk, and the meeting noted particular opportunities presented by making links with Barnsley College and the Registrars’ Service.

RESOLVED:-

(i)   that the progress to date on suicide prevention work be noted;

(ii)  that the development of the suicide prevention action plan outlined in the report and presentation be supported;

(iii) that contact be made with Barnsley College and Registrars’ Service to consider how they might provide support to the action plan in their contacts with young people and those who have suffered a bereavement respectively.