Suicide prevention action plan could be developed for Flintshire

Flintshire County Council is to begin work on a county-wide action plan aimed at preventing suicides and self-harm, if the cabinet supports the proposal.

The proposed action plan would build on the Welsh Government’s new Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Strategy for 2025 to 2035, helping to put the national approach into practice at a local level.

The council’s Cabinet will be asked to endorse the strategy and support the creation of a comprehensive local action plan, centred on its six key objectives – listening and learning, preventing, empowering, supporting, equipping, and responding.

Together, these objectives are designed to increase understanding and tackle issues that increase individuals’ risk of suicide and self-harm.

They also aim to improve support for those affected by self-harm and suicide, including friends and family members.

The proposal will be put forward by Councillor Glyn Banks, Cabinet Member for Waste and Transportation, and Councillor Helen Brown, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities.

Councillor Banks said:

“Having had friends lose loved ones to suicide, I have seen firsthand how it profoundly impacts families, friends and communities.

“As a council, we are committed to playing our part in prevention by increasing awareness, equipping staff with the right training, and working closely with partner organisations so the right support is available when people need it.”

Councillor Brown added:

“There have sadly been a number of suicides and suicide attempts locally in recent years which have left a lasting impact on our communities.

“I’m really proud that we will be one of the first local authorities in Wales to develop  a local action plan to deliver on the new national strategy.

“It will help ensure that suicide prevention becomes embedded across all our services, so that people across Flintshire can access timely and appropriate support.”

If you need support with your mental health, you can:

Phone the CALL Helpline: 0800 132 737

Or phone the Samaritans: 116 123

For urgent support please call the NHS on 111 and press 2.

If you are affected by suicide, you can get free support from the National Advisory and Liaison Service Cymru:

08000 487 742