Suicide Prevention - Future Strategy for Scotland
North Lanarkshire Council · 15 November 2022
Back to Adult Care and Social Work Committee — 15 November 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PO52.1 Suicide Prevention – Future Strategy for Scotland North Lanarkshire Council Report Adult Care and Social Work Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref DF/AB Date 15/11/22 From Diane Fraser, Head of Adult Social Work Services E-mail FraserDi@northlan.gov.uk Telephone Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to advise Adult Care and Social Work Committee of the Partnership response to the Scottish Government consultation on a New Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan for Scotland, and to note that further development in the area of Suicide Prevention is ongoing In July 2021 the Minister for Mental Health and COSLA Health and Social Care Board agreed that the current Suicide Prevention Action Plan ‘Every Life Matters’ should be extended by 12 months, until August 2022. This extension period would allow for the development of a new Joint COSLA and Scottish Government outcome focused Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan for Scotland, to be published by the end of September 2022. The new Strategy will be for a period of 10 years with 2-3 year action plans to support delivery. This report will provide information and update on the response provided to Scottish Government and the briefing provided for Cosla. Recommendations It is recommended that the Adult Care and Social Work Committee: i. Note the content of the report ii. Note that a future updated report will be received The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve the health and wellbeing of our communities Ambition statement (14) Ensure the highest standards of public protection
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1. Background 1.1 The Scottish Government have developed a New Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action plan which was circulated to HSCP’s for consultation. The response was returned timeously to the Scottish Government on 23 August 2022. 1.2 Further a briefing note was provided to a Cosla Meeting on 25 August, to support an agreement to enable sign off on the final suicide prevention strategy and action plan. 1.3 The eight local priority areas for suicide prevention work within North Lanarkshire with recommendations for actions are set out in the North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention Action Plan (2021/2022), this will be reviewed when evaluating the New Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action plan. 2. Report 2.1 The following report sets out the partnership response to the consultation, addressing the Visions, Principles, Outcomes and Priorities within the Strategy. 2.2 Proposed Vision The consultation describes the proposed vision set out for the New Suicide Prevention Strategy as ‘Our Ambition is a Scotland where everyone works together to prevent suicide’ We agree with the proposed vison however noted that we would have preferred a more ambitious statement which aspires to reducing suicide in Scotland and recognises the impact of wider social determinants, as opposed to individual risk. A vision for suicide prevention should offer hope that suicide is not inevitable, and everyone has rights and opportunities maximised. 2.3 Guiding Principles The consultation set out 6 Guiding Principles for consideration: 1. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. We will provide opportunities for people across different sectors at local and national levels to come together to connect and play their part in preventing suicide 2. We will take action which addresses the suicide prevention needs of the whole population and where there are known factors such as poverty, marginalised and minority groups 3. All developments and decisions will be informed by lived experience. We will also ensure safeguarding measures are in place across our work. 4. Effective, timely and compassionate support that promotes recovery should be available and accessible to everyone who needs it including people at risk of suicide, their families/ carers and the wider community 5. We will ensure the needs of children and young people are addressed and their voices will be central to any decisions or developments aimed at them 6. To build the evidence base, quality improvement methodology and testing of new, creative and innovative practice will be embedded in our approach We agree with the 6 Guiding principles above. We noted in our response that we would like to share our learning, that implementation, delivery and evaluation should be guided by listening to individuals with lived experience.
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2.4 Outcomes The consultation set out 4 Outcomes for consideration 1. The environment we live in promotes the conditions which protect against suicide risk – this includes our psychological, social, cultural, and economic and physical environment. 2. Everyone has a clear understanding of suicide, its prevention, and associated risk and protective factors. Everyone is able to respond confidently and appropriately when they, or others, need support. 3. Everyone affected by suicide is able to access appropriate, high quality, compassionate, and timely support – that promotes recover. This includes people of all ages who experience suicidal thoughts and behaviour, anyone who cares for them, and anyone affected by suicide in other ways. 4. All suicide prevention activity is designed with lived experience insight. Action will be informed by up to date practice, research, intelligence, and improved by regular monitoring, evaluation and review. We agree with the 4 outcomes above, but note they are broad and aspirational. Outcome 2 requires clarity, does this include young children having a clear understanding of suicide prevention? Will consideration be given to age and stage of development? We view the future strategy as an opportunity to address the impact of suicide on families and communities locally and nationally. 2.5 Priorities The priorities areas below form the focus of the first Action Plan 1. Build a whole area of Government and whole society approach to address the social determinants which have the greatest risk link to suicide risk. 2. Strengthen Scotland’s awareness and responsiveness to suicide and suicidal behaviour. 3. Promote and provide effective, timely compassionate support – that promotes recovery. 4. Promote a co-ordinated, collaborative and integrated approach We agree with the priorities, however given the rising demands and particular needs of children, young people and their families, we would support a specific action for this group We would also consider there to be crossover between suicide, self-harm and mental health strategies. Including references to all 3 areas in the New Suicide Prevention Strategy may help align priorities and compliment action plans. 2.6 Action Plans The actions which make up the action plan are built around 7 themes; these themes sit under the overarching ‘Outcomes’ 1. Whole Government and Society Policy 2. Access to Means 3. Media Reporting
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4. Learning and Building Capacity 5. Support 6. Planning 7. Data and Evidence We agree with the action plan and would promote the use of local suicide prevention campaigns to target communities. Many of the actions are already being carried out at a local level. Our vision is that the current best practice around suicide prevention continues to develop in the new Strategy. 2.7 Next Steps Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Strategy & Action Plan were launched on Thursday 29th September, this will be reviewed alongside the North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention Action Plan (2021/2022). 3. Measures of success 3.1 Not Applicable 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 – Appendix 1 ‘Creating Hope Together: Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Strategy 2022-2032’ 4.2 – Appendix 2 ‘Creating Hope Together: Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2022-2025’. 4.3 – Appendix 3 North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention Action Plan (2021/2022) Diane Fraser Head of Adult Social Work Service
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5. Impacts ( http://connect/report-template-guidance ) 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality-and-fairer- scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts have been discussed and agreed with Financial Solutions? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts have been discussed and agreed with People and Organisational Development? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts have been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic Solutions? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact?
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Where the impact identifies a requirement for technology, has an assessment been carried out (or scheduled) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The Strategy Group will develop a communications plan. This has been an important area of work with a communication plan is required to engage and consult with key stakeholders throughout the redesign. A communications plan is in place for the Home Support Programme Board. 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? The risks for the implementation of the Suicide Prevention Strategy and action plan will be identified and managed in accordance with the agreed corporate programme risk management and methodology and monitored through the Suicide Prevention Strategy Group. The response to the New Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan for Scotland will inform the North Lanarkshire Strategy and action plan which will be reviewed.
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Appendix 3 Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire Action Plan 2021 Priority Outcomes 1. People at risk of suicide feel able to ask for help, and have access to skilled staff and well-coordinated support; 2. People affected by suicide are not alone; 3. Suicide is no longer stigmatised; 4. We provide better support to those bereaved by suicide; and 5. Through learning and improvement, we minimise the risk of suicide by delivering better services and building stronger, more connected communities. Action No Action Lead RAG Status Activity Outc ome No Update/progress Link to Performanc e Framework timescales 1. Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire will continue to deliver the Living Works Training programme including ASIST, Safe TALK and Suicide TALK. The Scottish Government are funding the creation and implementation of refreshed mental health and suicide prevention training. Norma Lang Susan McMorrin 1. ASIST and Safe TALK organised centrally once per month 2021 2. Respond to specific requests for training depending on capacity, currently prioritising SFR and SAS 3. Suicide TALK T4T will be organised for November 2021 , a further 20 people will be trained, training pool will be increased to 70 4. Developing an After- Suicide Procedure, considering needs of family and work force 5. Contribute to the development of the national mental health 1 2 additional ASIST trainers have been trained and 2 safe TALK trainers ASIST and safe TALK have both resumed delivery following pandemic restrictions. 4 ASISTs offered March -December 2022 We have a shortage of trainers locally and no TFT planned by PHS so frequency will be restricted by capacity. We care considering to buying in sessions for ASIST to address this issue. Suicide ALERT online sessions continue to run. Work planned pan Lanarkshire to develop a new awareness level session incorporating PHS animations. Once developed this will replace SuicideALERT . Ongoing 1
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Two trainers have completed Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid TFT. 2 courses scheduled for delivery Oct & Nov 2022. Places on all programs are routinely offered to partner & third sector agencies, for e.g SafeTALK sessions provided for Enable and ALERT for foster carers Autumn 2022. 3. After a Suicide facilitators notes have been developed. Capacity and procedure for delivery needs to be reviewed when new lead officer in post and suicide prevention training as requested by the National Leadership Group 2. Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire will continue to develop and create a coordinated approach to public awareness campaigns, which maximises impact. Carolynne Coole Miller 1. Prepare a comms plan 2. Develop a performance framework 3. Respond to public need 4. Develop public awareness campaigns 5. Deliver Suicide ALERT 6. Develop an evaluation framework 3 Suicide Prevention NL Communications Plan developed for 2022-23 which includes support for Suicide Prevention Week, a Winter campaign (including Surviving Christmas and New Year), and a Spring 23 youth campaign. A framework for Ongoing 2
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evaluation will be developed by December 2022 specifically relating to the communications plan. In addition, we are continuing the FeelWellNL initiative in specific locations of concern including Strathclyde Country Park, Drumpellier Country Park and Centenary Park/Railway Bridge as well as a few locations in Airdrie and Motherwell town centre on benches. 3. Suicide prevention North Lanarkshire will work with the NSPLG to ensure that timely and effective support for those affected by suicide is available across Scotland by working to develop a Scottish Crisis Care Agreement. Andrea Breen Gemma Maguire Ann Marie Darcey 1. Develop strategies to provide compassionate, high quality timely support for those bereaved by suicide 4 Mapping exercise required Andrea Breen, Gemma Maguire and Ann Marie Darcey will have a meeting to review and undertake mapping exercise, feeding back to the next suicide prevention partnership board meeting January 2023 4. Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire will work with partners to develop and support the delivery of innovations in digital technology that improve suicide prevention Susan McMorrin 1. Further develop the SPNLC app 2. Consider use of digital technology for young people 3. Continue to promote the RU That Guy test messaging campaign 2 App being updated The app is being reviewed by the NHS Governess Group as the criteria and access does not currently meet the required guidelines. Susan McMorrin will keep the group updated on this and notes this is currently an issue for many apps used in public services. Ongoing 3
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5. Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire will identify and facilitate preventative actions targeted at risk groups. Gemma Maguire Lesley Mann 1. Identification of high-risk groups through local intelligence 5 Lesley and Gemma will continue to review notification sent by Police to look at frequency of recorded deaths and involvement with services. Lesley will contact Police Scotland to confirm representation at partnership group. In response to rises in suicides rates within Airdrie/Coatbridge areas in 2022, a cluster plan is in in place with a range of campaign activity targeting over 35s in these areas. This includes running tv adverts on STV digital player (specifically targeting this geographic region) and on social media channels. Posters and postcards have also been developed and sent to health centres, pharmacies, council leisure facilities, libraries, community groups and places of worship in the area. Ongoing 4
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6. Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire will ensure that all of the actions of the Suicide Prevention Action Plan consider the needs of children and young people. Ian McCauley Nancy Ferguson 1. Work with education to ensure the Suicide Safer Schools proposal is embedded in the Children’s Services Plan. 2. Work with Papyrus re Suicide Safer School, colleges and universities framework 5 Lifeline’s training continues to be rolled out to schools and on track. Further training for Education and Families and other partners is ongoing. DBI is now being piloted within some NLC schools. Progress update on this will be fed back at next partnership meeting Ongoing 7. Suicide prevention North Lanarkshire will work closely with partners to ensure that data, evidence and guidance is used to maximise impact. Improvement methodology will support localities to better understand and minimise unwarranted variation in practice and outcomes. Gemma Maguire Lesley Mann 1. Analysis and identification of themes and trends using the ScotSid figures as well as local intelligence 2. Set up a Locations of Concern multi agency meeting 5 Local data is analysed to provide information for the Locations of concern meeting which includes outreach youth work Lesley and Gemma will continue to review notification sent by Police to look at frequency of recorded deaths and involvement with services. Ongoing 8. Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire will work the NSPLG and COSLA to develop appropriate reviews into all deaths by suicide, and ensure that the lessons from reviews are shared and acted on. Andrea Breen 1. Develop an internal review process with partners 2. Link with SAERS group, sharing information 3. Prepare a pan Lanarkshire bid to develop suicide reviews across Lanarkshire 4 Pan Lanarkshire proposal is being discussed to employ a Suicide Review Officer for one year- awaiting update from Scottish Government, Andrea will link with Adam Daly re this Ongoing 5
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