A report outlining the current policy context for suicide prevention and domestic abuse in England and in Berkshire.

The Committee received a report that outlined the current policy context for suicide prevention and domestic abuse in England and in Berkshire.  The following appendices were attached to the report:

The report presented data about the current incidence and prevalence of suicides in Reading along with a summary of what was known about domestic abuse and suicide at a local level.  The report also summarised what was known about the links between suicide risk and interpersonal violence including domestic abuse and the best available evidence for preventative action.  The main themes and current challenges that faced local systems were identified through the lens of a violence prevention approach.  A summary of progress on the local suicide Prevention Action Plan was provided with details of how the Health in All Policies approach and the new operating model for the Public Health Team would address this important area or work.

The report explained that from 2026 onwards the Reading suicide prevention group and the local Suicide Prevention Action Plan would be resourced through the Health in All Policies approach for the Council and the establishment of a new operating model for the Public Health Team.  This would include an Advanced Public Health Practitioner post that would be dedicated to Public Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and would lead the action planning group to drive the review and implementation of the Prevention Action Plan.  The role would be supported by a proportionate investment from the public health grant through the Closing the Gap 2 contracts with the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, Reading Samaritans and the Compass Recovery College.

The Committee discussed the report and it was acknowledged that suicide needed to be made everybody’s business.  Councillor Eden proposed that the progress that had been made to secure an extra member of staff who would focus on mental health and drive forward the Reading Suicide Prevention Action Plan be noted and that an update report be submitted to a meeting in the next Council year about the progress on areas including gambling and priority communities.

Resolved –

(1)      That the report, progress made on the Suicide Prevention Action Plan and the resources allocated to this area of work to ensure continued delivery be noted;

(2)      That the progress that had been made to secure an extra member of staff focused on mental health and to drive forward the development and implementation of the Reading Suicide Prevention Action Plan be noted;

(3)      That an update report be submitted to a meeting in the next Council year about the progress on areas including gambling and priority communities.