North Northants Council to focus on suicide prevention after figures reveal 'above national average' rates
North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) has announced the steps it is taking to reduce the number of suicides in the area, after figures show rates are above the national average.
A particular focus on prevention for men aged between 45 to 64 years old has also been highlighted, as an audit demonstrated that the group had ‘higher risk factors’ than others.
The report presented to the council’s health and wellbeing board today (December 9) has emphasised the authority’s objectives to strengthen work to reduce self-harm and suicide prevention and reduce wider mental health-related inequities.
A retrospective suicide audit undertaken for north Northants indicates higher rates among males compared to females, and also identifies evidence of several triggers within the profile of those who died, including bereavement, loneliness and social factors.
In north Northamptonshire, as of 2023, hospital admissions as a result of self-harm were 131.8 per 100,000 population, which is higher than the national average of 126.3. National research from the Coroners’ Suicide Audit found that half of those who died by suicide had a history of self-harm and/or previous suicide attempts.
It was also noted that people living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) – including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression – face one of the greatest health inequality gaps in England, with life expectancy 15 to 20 years shorter than that for the general population.
Council documents estimate that 50 per cent of deaths in people living with SMI are attributable to smoking, and also highlight a need for an increased focus on reducing smoking in this cohort, and investigating opportunities to improve their physical health.
The council has set out various projects planned, including rolling out training to NNC customer service on ‘compassionate conversations’, the development of a new council Suicide Prevention Strategy and action plan, and discussions to develop SMI and smoking cessation training.
Another initiative highlighted is the Orange Button scheme, which is a community-based suicide prevention initiative that trains individuals to become identifiable points of contact for those in emotional distress, and wear an orange button to signal that they are safe to approach and can listen, support, and signpost to help.
For more mental health advice and resources go to https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/mental-health-and-wellbeing or https://www.northamptonshiremind.org.uk/.