Agenda item

This report provides an update on the incidence of deaths by suicide in Hammersmith and Fulham and the work at both strategic and operational levels in the Council to examine the context and develop learnings to inform targeted and universal approaches for reducing the rate and preventing further occurrences.

This item includes an appendix that contains exempt information. Discussion of the contents of the appendix will require passing the proposed resolution at the end of the agenda to exclude members of the public and press.

Helen Byrne (Head of Commissioning, Public Health) introduced the report that provided an update on the incidence of deaths by suicide in Hammersmith and Fulham and the work at both strategic and operational levels in the Council to examine the context and develop learnings to inform targeted and universal approaches for reducing the rate and preventing further occurrences.

Helen Byrne was joined by Eve Penman (Public Health Officer) who was beginning a contract to focus specifically on suicide prevention in the borough. She addressed the board and noted the following points:

• Hammersmith & Fulham had the highest suicide rate in London.
• The majority were male aged between 25 and 35, many with known mental health problems and drug and alcohol problems.
• Officers were working with partners to collect data and information on suicide attempts and incidents of self-harm to build a fuller picture of the problem.
• The Council was supported by the Listening Place, an award-winning volunteer-led suicide prevention organisation.
• Officers were working with partners to update the prevention strategy from 2020. They were also working with families who had lost loved ones to suicide.
• Key risk factors included contact with the criminal justice system, housing need, unemployment, and bereavement.

Helen Byrne noted that officers intended to bring the draft action plan to the Board in June 2024.

ACTION: Helen Byrne

Shad Haibatan (SOBUS) said it was sad that Hammersmith & Fulham had the highest suicide rate in London. He noted that mental health was a big factor, along with isolation, and early intervention was key. He wanted partners and communities to work together to tackle this issue. He also raised concerns about the promotion of suicide amongst certain groups of young people online.

Councillor Natalia Perez expressed her condolences to families who had lost someone from suicide. She noted that the risk factors included housing need and employment status – and asked about the role of the advice sector and if there was any preventative support they could give.

Helen Byrne said there was a lot of support available to people, but it was usually only accessed at the point of crisis. The Council wanted to take a more holistic approach and ensure people were aware of help and support earlier to prevent people getting to crisis point. Officers planned to work on this issue with partners like the Listening Place, H&F Law, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, and housing providers.

The Chair asked about the work with housing providers. Eve Penman said work was being initiated with Council housing officers to offer suicide prevention training and promote wellbeing services through them. Helen Byrne said the goal was that all frontline staff would get access to training.

Nadia Taylor asked why Hammersmith & Fulham had the highest suicide rate. Eve Penman said there were a range of factors and that more analysis needed to be done before coming to a robust conclusion.

The Chair noted that from September 2023, the police in England had stopped responding to metal health calls if there was no risk to life or crime being committed. He asked if there had been any impact on suicide numbers as a result. Linda Jackson said local police representatives had reported no impact on hospital or ambulance services from the change, but it had freed up officer time. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Staples agreed. He commented that the new policy was to ensure people were seen by the right service. The police had not seen any detrimental effects, but it would continue to be monitored.

Councillor Perez asked if young people being bullied on social media was an area of concern. Helen Byrne said they would be working with schools and looking at the different types of support that was available to young people. Officers were also working with the Youth Council to help develop training.

The Chair asked about the impact of the Listening Place. Eve Penman said they had done great work and were very effective when it came to prevention. They also referred clients on to other services for advice on employment and help with their finances.

A member of the public addressed the Board and spoke about a family member who had been involved with social services and the justice system and was at risk of suicide when they were younger. The Chair asked if young people involved with the justice system would be included in the strategy. Eve Penman said they would and noted officers would be co-producing the strategy with affected groups, in addition to partners such as the Police, Children’s Services, and the Local Safeguarding Board.

The Chair thanked everyone for attending and for their contributions to the discussion.

RESOLVED

1. That the Health and Wellbeing Board noted the current context relating to suicide prevention in the borough; and provides feedback to inform the development of a new suicide prevention strategy for the borough.