Agenda item

This document provides an updated draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan for Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole. The plan is based on an evidence‑based framework and includes actions for council colleagues, as well as shared priorities that will be taken forward through pan‑Dorset partnership working.

The Head of Programmes, Public Health and Communities, presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Report provided an updated draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan for Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council. The plan was based on an evidence‑based framework. It was noted that a broader system piece of work is also underway in relation to suicide prevention, led by Public Health and Dorset Healthcare. The action plan being presented primarily focusses on actions for BCP Council alongside shared priorities that will be progressed through pan‑Dorset partnership working.

The Committee discussed the report, including:

• Clarification was sought on data relating to suicides, particularly concerning individuals not known to mental health services and whether they were awaiting assessment or had no prior contact. 

• It was highlighted that wider awareness across organisations and workplaces was essential, with all sectors having a role in identifying and supporting those at risk. 

• Officers confirmed data limitations and identified improving data linkage and real-time surveillance as a key priority to better understand at-risk groups and target interventions. 

• It was noted that a range of mechanisms already existed to review cases, including Safeguarding Adults Reviews, coroner processes, and partner reporting systems, which informed learning and prevention work. 

• The importance of collective partnership working, including with voluntary organisations such as Samaritans, was emphasised in delivering the suicide prevention action plan. 

• Members raised the need for improved support for individuals bereaved by suicide; officers confirmed this was a priority, including mapping existing services, identifying gaps, and incorporating lived experience to shape support. 

• Clarification was provided that voluntary and community sector involvement was ongoing, with further organisations welcomed to participate. 

• It was acknowledged that lessons from the previous action plan had been reviewed, with a need to better capture and communicate learning and progress. 

• Concerns were raised regarding emergency response arrangements at crisis point and it was highlighted that this was identified as an area requiring further review and follow-up. 

• Assurance was provided that communications and awareness campaigns would follow evidence-based approaches and avoid unintended harmful impacts, using targeted messaging and lived experience input. 

• It was confirmed that suicide rates for residents were higher than regional and national averages, with key risk factors including domestic abuse, substance misuse, and financial difficulties and it was noted that most incidents occurred in private settings. 

• Members discussed raising the profile of the action plan, including potential referral to Cabinet to support wider promotion and communications. 

• Agreement was reached to progress the action plan to the Health and Wellbeing Board first, with a subsequent recommendation to Cabinet to enhance visibility and support. 

• The Committee noted the update and endorsed the direction of the BCP Council suicide prevention action plan. 

RECOMMENDED that, following approval by the Health and Wellbeing Board, the Committee request Cabinet support the Strategy and Action Plan and ensure that the necessary resources are made available for implementation.

RESOLVED that the Committee:

·       notes the Pan-Dorset Suicide Framework, noting that this has been co-produced with organisations across Dorset and aligned to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.

·       reviews and provides scrutiny and feedback on the draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan, noting that the action plan is aligned to the priorities within the framework and sets out a clear programme of work for BCP Council.

·       notes that wider, system-wide suicide prevention activity is underway and running in parallel. This work is jointly led by Public Health and Dorset Healthcare University Hospital Foundation Trust, ensuring a sustained, coordinated approach that strengthens alignment, avoids duplication, and maximises collective impact across the system.

Voting: Nem. Con.