New joint approach to suicide prevention

News - 30 May 2022

People are invited to take part in a survey to share their views and to help prevent suicide across Coventry and Warwickshire
Picture of two hands clasped together

No one should ever feel as though suicide is their only option

This is the vision of Coventry and Warwickshire’s Suicide Prevention Partnership which is inviting people to take part in a survey to help shape the approach to suicide prevention across the region.

The impact of Suicide

The loss of someone to suicide is devastating and can have a wide-reaching and long-lasting impact leaving loved ones, as well as an entire community, struggling with complex emotions. It is estimated that every death by suicide will affect around 135 people, with 15-30 people severely affected. This broad impact from a single death highlights how crucial it is to have a clear approach to preventing and responding to deaths by suicide.

Who is organising the survey?

Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council are seeking people’s views on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Suicide Prevention Partnership.

They are developing a new joint strategy that will provide information, services and support across the area to help prevent suicide.

The new strategy will outline how the Councils will work with other local organisations and services to achieve the vision that no one in Coventry and Warwickshire should ever feel that suicide is their only option.

What do they want feedback on?

The approach not only focussed on support for people at crisis point, but also considers earlier action that can be taken to reduce risk factors that contribute to poor mental health and risk of suicide.

People are being asked to share their thoughts. The three key areas they want feedback on are:

  • the ambitions and priorities identified for the strategy
  • the mental health and wellbeing needs of individuals and their communities
  • how and where people look for support if they need it

The survey is anonymous, confidential and open to everyone.

Complete the survey

Mental health and wellbeing support services are an important part of local communities, and it is vital that people have their say to help us understand if current services are still meeting the needs of residents and where things can be improved.
That is why we want to hear from our residents from all age groups and backgrounds who live and work in Coventry and Warwickshire who can impact in the shaping of this strategy.
This is all part of ongoing work with our partners to raise awareness, address the stigma, and reduce the rates of suicide in Coventry and Warwickshire. It is of utmost importance that no-one feels alone and we would encourage everyone in our community to take part in the survey so positive changes can be made to support those that most need help.

Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport at Coventry City Council

The survey is open until 10 July 2022

If you need to request the survey in an alternative format, please email your name and address to phadmin@warwickshire.gov.uk or call 01926 731484.   
 

Do you need help now?

If you are struggling to cope right now and need to talk to someone, free support is available 24/7.

  • immediate risk to life: call 999 or go straight to A&E

  • urgent advice: call 111

  • confidential emotional support for residents across Coventry and Warwickshire: call 0800 616171

For further information and advice about suicide prevention and support available, please visit www.dearlife.org.uk

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