The Somerset Suicide Prevention Partnership has developed a new draft Suicide Prevention Strategy for Somerset. The suicide prevention partnership is a multi-agency forum with representation from the local Integrated Care Board (NHS Somerset), Somerset Foundation Trust, Public Health and voluntary sector partners.

The draft strategy is based on the eight priority areas for action described within the national suicide prevention strategy, published in September 2023.

Somerset Council’s Public Health team, as part of the suicide prevention partnership would like to consult on this draft Somerset strategy with local organisations and members of the public ahead of publishing the strategy in September 2024.

The strategy aims to reduce the number of deaths by suicide in Somerset through prevention activities and ensure there is a clear pathway to support for people who self-harm and improve support for those bereaved by suicide.

The strategy sets out a vision for suicide prevention in Somerset, alongside three overarching aims which the eight priority areas for action sit within and objectives to address these areas in Somerset over the next five years.

Suicide is when somebody intentionally ends their own life. Suicide has a devastating impact on friends, family, colleagues and entire communities. In 2022, there were 5,642 suicides registered in England and Wales, just over 15 people per day. In Somerset, there were 45 suicides registered in 2022, this is considerably lower than the previous 2 years, there was an average of between 60 and 65 suicides each year in Somerset between 2020-2022.

The circumstances leading to someone taking their own life are often complex and it is rare that one single cause can be identified. However, suicide is not inevitable and can often be prevented. Just as the circumstances that lead to suicide are complex, the measures to prevent suicide must be equally diverse. Suicide prevention is something that we all need to be a part of, from local and national organisations to communities and individuals, together we can make a difference. The new strategy sets out how everybody can contribute towards making Somerset safer and more suicide aware.

We are inviting both individuals and organisations to comment on this draft strategy, to ensure that we consider the perspectives of individuals from diverse backgrounds and various organisations in the strategy.

Suicide Prevention Strategy Consultation – Somerset Council – Citizen Space

*If you require the survey in an alternative format or translated into a different language, please email: consultations@somerset.gov.uk