Suicide Prevention Strategy Consultation

Overview

The Somerset Suicide Prevention Partnership has developed a new draft Multi-agency Suicide Prevention Strategy for Somerset. The strategy is based on the 8 priority areas for action described within the national suicide prevention strategy, published in September 2023. The suicide prevention partnership would like to consult on this draft strategy with local organisations and members of the public ahead of publishing the strategy in September 2024.

The strategy aims to reduce the number of deaths by suicide in Somerset and ensure that there is a clear pathway to support for people who self-harm and improve support for those bereaved by suicide. The strategy sets out a vision for suicide prevention in Somerset, alongside 3 overarching aims, 8 priority areas for action and several local objectives to demonstrate what action to address these areas will look like in Somerset over the next 5 years.   

*If you require this document in an alternative format or translated into a different language, please email: consultations@somerset.gov.uk

Background
Suicide is when somebody intentionally ends their own life. Suicide has a devastating impact on friends, family, colleagues and entire communities. Globally, more than 700,000 people die due by suicide every year. In 2022, there were 5,642 suicides registered in England and Wales, just over 15 people per day. In Somerset, there were 45 suicides registered in 2022, this is considerably lower than the previous 2 years, this means there was an average of between 60 and 65 suicides each year in Somerset between 2020-2022.

The circumstances leading to someone taking their own life are often complex and it is rare that one single cause can be identified. However, suicide is not inevitable and can often be prevented. Just as the circumstances that lead to suicide are complex, the measures to prevent suicide must be equally diverse. Suicide prevention is something that we all need to be a part of, from local and national organisations to communities and individuals, together we can make a difference.

We are inviting both individuals and organisations to comment on this draft, to ensure that we consider the perspectives of individuals from diverse backgrounds and various organisations in the strategy. Please select whether you are responding as an individual or on behalf of an organisation.