By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
All Nottinghamshire public services are being encouraged ask people about their wellbeing in a bid to help reduce suicide rates.
A meeting of Nottingham City Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board heard how important it was to encourage people to speak openly about their mental so they seek the right help early on.
The authority is developing a strategic plan to reduce rates, focusing on higher-risk groups such as men, LGBT groups, younger people and those in the criminal justice system.
Nottingham city’s rate of death by suicide is 11.2 per 100,000 residents, slightly higher than the national average of 10.4 per 100,000.
Groups at the meeting were encouraged to take a leading role in discussions.
Dr Husein Mawji, director of the Nottingham City GP Alliance, said: “Everybody who works with the public should have the confidence to ask how people are.
“GPs are trained to ask about suicide ideation and self-harm, but this should be more widespread.”
Tim Guyler, assistant chief executive at Nottingham University Hospitals, said: “It’s just as important that services know what to do if people say they aren’t alright.
“Otherwise people will feel burdened in having uncovered a problem which they don’t know how to respond to.
“It’s no good to make a referral that will take four weeks.”
The assessment recommends tailored mental health support for men, who have “significantly higher” rates of suicide.
The public health team receives recent data from police when they believe a death may be due to suicide, which helps them to proactively help those affected.
Councillor Linda Woodings (Lab) said: “My experience as a magistrate has made me concerned for people who are going through the criminal justice system for the first time.
“They have been accused of something, they plead not guilty, and they are very upset and distressed.
“There is support within the court building, but that needs to be there outside the building when they are so vulnerable.”
The plan will also look at unmet needs of young people in schools, Gypsy Roma and traveller communities, and aims to make it easier to get the right help to those who need it.
Anyone who needs urgent support with their mental health can call the Nottinghamshire Mental Health Crisis Line free on 0808 196 3779 (24/7) or the Samaritans, also free, on 116 123 (24/7).
