Report attached.

Contact: Gordon Kochane, Public Health Consultant, Shropshire Council 

The Public Health Consultant for Shropshire Council presented an update on suicide prevention work within the county. It was reported that Shropshire continued to experience a higher?than?average suicide rate, the highest within the West Midlands region, with 119 deaths recorded in the most recent three?year reporting period.

Key risk factors associated with suicide were outlined, including relationship breakdown, bereavement, economic pressures, and the impact of both mental and physical health issues. Members were informed that real?time surveillance activity had expanded to 20 partner organisations, enabling earlier identification of concerns and more coordinated responses.

The Suicide Action Group had refreshed its action plan in 2025. The plan prioritises increasing community visibility, reducing stigma, and strengthening local support options. As part of this approach, the Orange Button Community Scheme had expanded, with 171 volunteers recruited across Shropshire.

Updates were provided on ongoing communication and engagement efforts. These include participation in market town events, collaboration with the Samaritans, and the distribution of the “Pick up the phone, you’re not alone” Z?card.

A Member asked whether GP?held information could be utilised to assemble a risk matrix to identify individuals at heightened risk of suicide. In response, it was explained that risk assessment alone was not a reliable predictor, as individuals may present with recognised themes but not take their life, and vice versa. The recommended approach was the use of safety planning, as set out in NHS England’s Staying Safe from Suicide guidance.

A query was raised regarding the distribution of signs for help services at locations where suicide attempts occur, and the extent of communication and coordination between local and national support organisations. It was reported that signage was more complex than it appeared, requiring evidence of incidents at specific sites. Although data on suicide attempts remained limited, work with emergency services was ongoing to improve this. It was confirmed that signage was important and was being explored, together with strengthened links with organisations such as the Samaritans.

A Member sought information on available data relating to agricultural workers and farmers, including employment?related pressures, rurality, cost?of?living impacts, and links to military and ex?military communities. The detailed nature of the questions was acknowledged, and it was confirmed that further information would be provided outside of the meeting.

A request was made for social prescribers and care coordinators to receive the “Pick up the phone, you’re not alone” Z?card for signposting and training purposes. It was confirmed that the cards were currently being refreshed ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week and would be distributed accordingly, including to social prescribers and care coordinators.

A Member asked about investment in the voluntary sector to support crisis and prevention work, and how voluntary sector data and involvement would be incorporated into neighbourhood development. In response, the crucial role and efficiency of the voluntary sector were acknowledged, and a commitment to continued involvement and investment was confirmed.

It was noted that domestic abuse was not referenced in the national suicide prevention guidance, despite its significant correlation with suicide risk. The importance of survivor engagement and sustained dialogue in shaping future work was emphasised.

RESOLVED:

To note the recommendations contained within the report along with the call to action which included:

• promoting the adoption of safety planning approaches;
• supporting the delivery of suicide prevention training;
• endorsing continued development of the Orange Button scheme; and
• extending the local suicide prevention strategy to align with emerging national priorities.