Issue - meetings

A presentation by Tracy Preece, Choose Life

A presentation by Tracy Preece, Choose Life Coordinator (NHS).

Tracy highlighted that “Choose Life” as an organisation has until very recently been working to a 10 year suicide prevention strategy.  Two of the main targets of the strategy were to firstly train 50% of frontline staff in suicide prevention, and, in so doing reduce suicides by 20%.  At the end of the period, it was found that 100% of frontline staff had been trained, and the number of deaths was also significantly down. (18%)

Tracy noted that although she is based in the NHS, all choose life work is actually part of the Single Outcome Agreement and is performed under a Service Level Agreement with the council. This is likely to continue under the new SOA. 

On reviewing the outcomes of the 10 year strategy, it quickly became clear that the first and most fundamental issue is that those at risk, (i.e. those with thoughts of suicide), need treated with compassion. This does not always happen.

Suicide in Scotland is a significant Public Health risk.   There are however, significant variations of risk within the population. Men are currently categorised as being at a higher risk than women; with the highest risk group being men aged 35-54.  Mental health and addiction issues can also increase the level of risk, but so too can deprivation and stress. One proof of this is that over 60% of men within the 35-54  age group  who actually committed suicide, were working, but in low paid or temporary employment.  The link with deprivation is not necessary direct, but it is a constant.  Similarly, there is an increased risk for farmers in this age group.

Despite the success of the Strategy, the number of suicides in Scotland is  still very high when compared with  the European average (4th highest) , the latest 2012 figures show  762 suicides in that year, compared with 174 road fatalities in 2012, (9^th lowest of the 40 countries for which figures are available).

Of the 762 suicides in 2012, 9 of the deaths were in Argyll.   These deaths have a huge impact, not only on the person themselves, but in the knock on effect on friends.

and families who are statistically at increased risk themselves, as they deal with the death of the friend or family member.

It should be realised that research shows that suicide is not actually about people wanting to die; it is about showing them how they can live, and in some cases showing them an alternative way of maintaining control of their life.  Many of the topics discussed at the Community Safety Forum can have an influence on suicide related behaviours e.g. ASB or self-harm and it is important to be alert to this.

Lack of access to resources is often cited as a reason for high suicide levels, but if individuals stop and consider what is actually available, there are a lot of resources on offer (although not all are specifically flagged as suicide prevention services).  Advice and support is usually available if people know where to look - and want it.  This is not necessarily only within an individual’s own circle of friends, also but also at community classes, or organisations such as CAB, Money Advice, or other advice groups, as well as dedicated support groups such as Dochas or the MS centre.

The work of “Choose Life” going forward now has 4 main objectives

1) Continuing Training via the provision of the 2 courses :- Safetalk and ASIST.

2) Identification and intervention in specific instances where people are at risk.

3)Peer support for survivors of Suicide (SOBS is starting tomorrow night  in Lochgilphead and a support group for men affected is also to come during the summer).

4) A study of the availability and lethality of methodologies with a view to making them less attractive.

Key to all the work outlined above is getting people to talk about suicide, and “Choose life” have used comedy, plays and pub quizzes in the past. Tracy advised that they are willing to use almost anything as a platform for enabling discussion.

Another aspect of their future work is a new focus on self-harm prevention including the possibly changing role of role of teaching and pastoral staff.

The forum was keen to know how they can best support and assist.  Tracy advised that all those interested could be placed on the Mailing list for events and training,

She indicated that the Council already have contact details for safe talk and ASIST on their internal intranet.

For those who have not already done so, Tracy recommended attending a SafeTalk training session, and some members provided contact details for this purpose. She also asked that her contact details be publicised wherever appropriate.

It was noted that some driver only road traffic accidents might actually be suicide attempts. Peter Howland noted that there are a significant number of water accidents which are also possibly attempts.

Cllr. Taylor noted that Regulatory Services have two members of staff who are in direct regular contact with farmers - and that they could provide a connection. Tracy agreed, and highlighted the specific service available to farmers called the “over the gatepost” helpline, which is a place where farmers can chat and any topic can be discussed.