With the aim of achieving zero suicides in the borough by 2030, Sandwell Council has launched a Suicide Prevention Strategy.
In line with the Sandwell Suicide Prevention Partnership, the action plan was put together with help from local community groups and residents.
Available to read in full on the Healthy Sandwell website, the strategy includes raising awareness throughout the community and investing in various areas, including:
- Training frontline council staff, first responders and GPs
- Developing effective communication around suicide prevention
- Improving access to support
- Building capacity in the voluntary and community sector
Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Social Care and Health, said: “We recognise that the causes of suicide are varied and complex, and that every story is different. So one of our main objectives is to make sure that anyone across the system who comes into contact with someone who is struggling or thinking about ending their life has the skills and knowledge to be able have a supportive conversation with that person and guide them to appropriate support.”
If you’re in need of support, please check out the Healthy Sandwell website for details of organisations who can help.