Momentum builds on local Suicide Prevention work

250 professionals from 39 organisations are coming together for the first time to attend a series of briefings on Suicide Intervention arranged by North Devon and Torridge CSP.

South West England has the highest rate of suicide in the England, with North Devon and Torridge experiencing the highest combined rate in Devon.

Suicide Prevention is a priority for the Safer Devon Partnership where Public Health Devon is leading on the delivery of a Devon Suicide Prevention Implementation Plan in partnership with The Devon and Torbay Suicide Prevention Alliance.

Those who are contemplating suicide often disclose to officers running front line services such as Police, Fire, Local Authorities, or healthcare professionals. North Devon and Torridge Community Safety Partnership (CSP) has identified that this is happening every day across the area and resources didn’t exist in any one place. The CSP have come together to pilot a new approach withtoolkits and briefings to support the officers and signpost those in crisis.

Those attending the briefings will get resources and receive advice on having a conversation about disclosed suicide plans, language and behaviours to use and managing personal welfare. They will also be signposted to formal training through SafeTALK and ASISTwhich gives detailed understanding of how to keep someone safe for now.

Supt Toby Davies, Chair of North Devon and Torridge CSP said” Our teams need to know the advice and support they offer is the best and most appropriate available.The toolkits, along with the staff briefing provide a consistent set of resources and are designed to build confidence for those who want to help those in crisis.” He added “We run a programme of Bitesize Briefings locally and have never before seen this level of interest in any of our subjects.”

Nicola Glassbrook, Senior Public Health Officer said “Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. No one person or agency can reduce suicide rates in isolation; it requires a community wide approach.” She added “We welcome this work by North Devon and Torridge CSP and are looking forward to feedback and evaluation of the project. If we save one life through this approach it will be worth it.”

To register your interest contact . More information on Suicide Prevention in Devon can be found here and

This activity is the start of a year-long campaign to raise awareness around Suicide in North Devon and Torridge which will involve partnerships with Samaritans and other voluntary sector partners.

For more information contact or 01271 388760

Note to Editors

North Devon and Torridge Community Safety Partnership is a multi-agency partnership. Together, we work to tackle issues, improve lives and support communities across North Devon and Torridge. Partners include Police, Local Authorities, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, New Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Community Rehabilitation Company and voluntary and community sector partners.

Further comment from:

Supt Toby Davies

Telephone 101

Nicola Glassbrook

Senior Public Health Officer(Health Inequalities)

Working in the Communities Team

Room G60

County Hall

Topsham Road

EX2 4QD

Email address:

Telephone number: 01392 386390

The Briefings will take place in four events over 2 days in 2 locations.

North Devon Council

Brynsworthy Environment Centre

Barnstaple

Wednesday 17th January 2018 at 10.00- 11.00 and 12.30-1.30

Bideford Town Council

Town Hall Buildings

Bideford

8th February 10.30 – 11.30 and 1-2pm

Key Statistics(Source ONS 2017)

  • 5668 deaths were attributed to suicide nationally in 2016; that equates to 15 deaths per day.
  • In 2016 the South-West was identified as having the highest rates in England at 11.2 deaths per 1000 population.
  • ¾ of all suicides in 2016 were male
  • Suicide is the most common cause of death for males between age 20 and 49
  • 74% of those who suicided were not in contact with Mental Health Services 12 months prior to their death.

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