A suicide prevention action plan for Westmorland & Furness has been set up.
The authority is working with a number of partners to reduce the number of suicides in the region.
Developed by the Cumbria Suicide Prevention Leadership Group, the new action plan sets out several priorities for Cumbria, including reducing the number of people dying by suicide, reducing the number of attempted suicides, improving support for those who self-harm and ensuring people who are bereaved or affected by suicide receive the support they need.
In Cumbria, 303 people died by suspected suicide between January 2020 and December 2023.
Forty-four per cent of those deaths were in Westmorland & Furness. The rate of suicide in Westmorland & Furness (15.5 deaths per 100,000 population) is significantly higher than the national average (10.7 deaths per 100,000), according to data published by the Office for National Statistics (2021-2023)
Westmorland & Furness has the third highest rate in the North West (comparing upper tier/unitary authorities), with only Cumberland (19.0 per 100,000) and Blackpool (16.7 per 100,000) having higher rates.
Katrina Stephens, director of public health at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Every death by suicide is an individual tragedy, which is why reducing the number of suicides in Westmorland and Furness is a key ambition for us, and also for so many partner organisations.
“Talking about feelings, including suicidal thoughts, can be scary, and only 45 per cent of people feel comfortable to talk about suicidal thoughts. But doing so can help people get the help they need, and may even save a life.
“We will continue working together to reduce the stigma around suicide, raise awareness of suicide prevention, strengthen mental health and early intervention support and provide better support to those affected by suicide.”
At a meeting of the authority’s health and wellbeing board today, the action plan was endorsed.
Councillor Patricia Bell, cabinet member for adult care, added: “Sadly, the effects of suicide are far-reaching and long-lasting on family, friends and the community. We are committed to working with our partners to ensure action to prevent suicide continues to be improved.
“Preventing suicide is a responsibility for all of us and I am hopeful our continued collaborative working will make a real difference across Westmorland and Furness.”
The board in Westmorland and Furness will have oversight of the delivery of the action plan, which will be reviewed and refreshed annually.
- For more information about where to get help when you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, or how you can support someone at risk, or if you have been bereaved by suicide, visit every-life-matters.org.uk
- When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
