The end of funding for suicide prevention projects in April could
have “life or death consequences” in some areas, the Local
Government Association says today.
The LGA, which represents councils across England and Wales is
urging the Government to use the Spring Budget to extend funding
for suicide prevention projects.
The fund, which has been worth £57 million, has helped to provide
vital support for those at risk of suicide, bereaved families and
run awareness campaigns in their local communities.
However, there has been no confirmation from the Department for
Health and Social Care if it will continue beyond the end of this
financial year.
In a series of case studies published today, the LGA has
highlighted the vital work councils have carried out using
funding from the suicide prevention campaign. They include:
- In Essex, where councils in the area have worked with the NHS
to tackle the impact of high waiting times for treatment for
depression. After someone has initially been diagnosed with
depression, they have to wait between 10 and 56 days for a
follow-up appointment. The funding has helped set up regular
Wellbeing Calls to support people before they start full
treatment and when they may be more at risk of suicidal thoughts.
- In Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, where the councils
introduced a bereavement service for those loved ones who had
been affected by suicide. This included providing counselling as
well as attending Coroners Court hearings. So far the service has
helped over 350 local people.
- In Bournemouth, where the council has worked with train
operators and the British Transport Police in light of a cluster
of suicides linked to the railways. This has included working
with journalists and editors to make the reporting of suicide
more sensitive.
The LGA said councils are growing concerned about having to stop
projects entirely or scale them down significantly.
With long-term funding for suicide prevention schemes, councils
can continue to deliver vital mental health support in their
local communities.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community
Wellbeing Board said:
“This suicide prevention funding has been a lifeline for many
people. Councils have used it to provide fantastic support to
those in their communities who have needed help the most.
“Without a commitment by the Government to extend this funding,
these vital local schemes face an uncertain future which could
have life or death consequences for those who rely on them.
“Councils desperately want to be able to keep tackling this
issue, update their local suicide prevention plans in line with
the new national suicide prevention strategy, and improve the
wellbeing of their areas.”
Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, added:
“People in serious distress cannot afford for local suicide
prevention funding to dwindle away. Communities across the
country rely on this money to help save lives and Samaritans
stands shoulder to shoulder with the LGA in calling on the
Government to urgently renew the funding in the Spring Budget.”
Notes to editors
The LGA has published five case studies highlighting the work
councils are doing with the NHS and charities to prevent suicide
in their area.
The funding for these suicide prevention programmes have been
allocated as part of the NHS’s Long Term Plan.
