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Earlier this year, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council jointly launched the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Self Harm and Suicide Prevention Strategy and the Suicide Prevention Charter.

Since then both councils have been working with local organisations to support them in making a pledge to both the strategy and charter. Several local organisations including the NHS Integrated Care Board, Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust, Nottinghamshire Police, along with several voluntary organisations, have pledged their commitment to both the strategy and the charter by completing the ‘Suicide Prevention Charter and Self Harm and Suicide Prevention Strategy Agreement.’

The charter sets out the voice of people with lived experiences and the values and principles which are important to them. It asks organisations, partners, and stakeholders to pledge their commitment to the charter. This is a way for organisations to set out what actions they can take to promote wellbeing and help reduce self harm and suicide among the people and communities they serve.

Councillor Dawn Justice, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and we all have a role to play, however small we may think that role is. Feeling down or overwhelmed by life’s challenges can hit us at any time, and 1 in 5 people will have suicidal thoughts during their life. I am encouraged to see that many local organisations have pledged their commitment to the charter and would encourage other organisations to make a pledge today.

“If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, it is ok to talk about it. Help and support are available. Speak to someone or ask someone directly if you are worried about them. You are not alone. Talking about suicide doesn’t increase the risk but can actually help reduce the risk.”

Councillor Helen Kalsi, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Nottingham City Council, said: “World Suicide Prevention Day is a powerful reminder that many people around us are still facing silent struggles. Our Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Suicide Prevention Charter – shaped by voices from our own communities – shows how each of us can play a part in making things better. Whether it’s checking in on a friend, lending a listening ear to someone in need, or simply learning more, we all have the power to support one another. I invite you to take a moment today to explore how you can help those around you – and take care of your own wellbeing too.”

Amanda Sullivan, Chief Executive at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, said: “We are proud to stand alongside our partners in pledging to the values and principles shaped by people with lived experience.

The Suicide Prevention Charter reminds us that recovery is possible and that small, compassionate actions can make a difference. We encourage all organisations to join us in this pledge to help reduce suicides and self-harm in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.”

Two people with lived experience, who helped create the charter and the strategy working group, shared their thoughts:

Charlie said: "The suicide prevention strategy and charter are of huge importance, and I hope to see the charter statements become the norm within society. If they become the norm then I believe many suicides will be prevented.”

Jeff said: “I can hear the voice of our son, Ben, who ended his life on November 23rd 2018, echo many of the statements in this Charter. I believe this Charter can make a positive difference to help others in need.”

Figures show that across both city and county, there were 291 deaths by suicide between 2020-22

• Males were 3.75 times more likely to die by suicide than females. 79% of deaths were male, 21% of deaths were female
• For men, 30 – 34 years was the most frequent age group
• For women, 50 - 54 was the most frequent age group.

 

34% of people who died by suspected suicides between 2022-2023 were recorded as being known to mental health services in the six months prior to their death.

There were 1915 emergency hospital admissions for self-harm in 2021-2022.

Among hospital admissions of children and young people for self-harm in 2019-20

• 79% were females
• 21% were males
• 15 – 19 years old was the most common age group.

 

Some local organisations that made pledges in support of the Charter are:

• Nottinghamshire County Council
• NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board
• Nottinghamshire Police
• NHS Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust
• Harmless (commissioned service and training provider)
• The Social Prescribing team in the Aspire Primary Care Network in Nottingham
• Broxtowe Women’s Project
• Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service
• Insight Care
• African Corner Notts

 

Jeff added: “Pledges don’t need to be perfect or commit to everything all at once. It’s about small steps and not expecting organisations to be doing it all now.”

If you are worried about your mental health, or you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 111 (option 2) to be directed to the help you need (24/7) or if you need immediate help because you can’t keep yourself safe or have already harmed yourself, seek emergency help either by phoning 999 or by visiting your local A&E (NHS).

People in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire can find mental health advice and local services at nottalone.org.uk.