Nottinghamshire Suicide Prevention Charter gets unanimous backing from Nottinghamshire County Council
The county council has comprehensively backed plans for a Suicide Prevention Charter.
This charter outlines a commitment to reducing suicide rates, providing support for those affected, and fostering a community of care and understanding across the county.
In an emotionally charged discussion, councillors at a meeting of Nottinghamshire County Council’s full council voted unanimously to back a motion calling for the authority to commit to a charter and to introduce better training to help councils, health bodies and other organisations to support suicide prevention.
Once finalised, the pledge will also seek to strengthen the council’s commitment to supporting improved mental health and wellbeing, and identify and support individuals at risk of suicide, to work with health care providers and community and education organisations to promote mental health awareness and support early intervention.
The pledge also asks organisations to establish accessible and effective crisis support services for individuals in immediate need and to provide training for staff and volunteers to recognise and respond to signs of suicidal behaviour.
Scott Carlton, cabinet member for communities and public health said: “Our Suicide Prevention Charter represents a significant step forward in our commitment to mental health and well-being.
“We believe that by working together, we can make a meaningful impact in reducing suicide rates and providing support to those in need.
“This charter will guide our efforts as we strive to create a safer and more compassionate community and I am proud that we are supporting this pledge with real action, starting with training to help councillors with mental health awareness, self-harm awareness, suicide prevention and suicide bereavement.
“The charter also forms part of an overarching suicide prevention strategy being developed with a range of local partners.”
For information and support on suicide prevention, visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/suicide
If urgent crisis support is needed, call the Nottinghamshire Mental Health Crisis Line on 0808 196 3779 (24/7) or the Samaritans on 116 123 (24/7).
