New strategy aims to reduce suicides and self harm in Lancashire

At the next Cabinet meeting on Thursday, December 5, Councillors will discuss the Lancashire Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Strategy 2024-29.

Aligned with the national Suicide Prevention Strategy, it sets out actions which include reducing suicide rates across all age ranges within the next five years, with the aim that initial reductions will be seen within half this time or sooner. It also aims to improve support for people bereaved by suicide and for people who have self-harmed.

Data from 2022/23 shows that within Lancashire, there were above-average rates of suicide in Burnley, Chorley, Hyndburn and Preston. Males are three times as likely to take their own life as females. Age is also a factor, with women aged 45-49 and men aged 50 to 54 having the highest suicide rates.

There is no single reason why a person takes their own life, and, in some cases, it may be difficult to determine the reason. Suicide is complex and can be impacted by a range of psychological, social, economic and cultural risk factors.

The Strategy aims to raise awareness that suicide and self-harm prevention is everybody’s responsibility and reduce the stigma associated with suicide and self-harm.

Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing at Lancashire County Council said:

"Suicide and self-harm behaviours are very complex and emotional subjects, but it is so important to us that we are able to help the community and to help to reduce these incidences.

"The new Strategy responds to data and intelligence, delivering tailored approaches aimed at priority  groups including middle-aged men who have the highest rates of suicide, veterans, women and young people and children.

"We will be strengthening partnerships to work together to raise awareness, address the stigma and  reduce suicide and self-harm. 

"We will continue to review progress made and use evidence-based practice and measures to evaluate our system-wide approaches to suicide prevention and self-harm."

Find out more about the Cabinet's agenda or watch it on a live webcast, visit Council - Watch council meetings (lancashire.gov.uk)