Suicide prevention: partners united and committed to be there for all of our community who need help

United and committed in tackling suicide and self-harm was the message from the first coordinated meeting of a wide range of groups and charities that gathered at a meeting in the chamber of Harborough District Council this week.

Over 40 representatives from across the public, private, voluntary and community sectors met at Harborough District Council where all partners emphasised the importance of collaborative working.

Partners met to discuss prevention of suicide and self-harm

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “Suicide and self-harm are serious issues that affect families and communities across the country, including here in Harborough. 

“Prevention requires strong partnership working and all of the incredible attendees, who do so much incredible service, committed to working with partners to ensure people who are struggling feel seen, supported and able to access help when they need it.”

“Exchanging information was a key message, along with sharing aspirations, underlining commitment to the community and reiterating a commitment to work together to provide coordinated support opportunities to the community through all age groups.” 
 
Cllr Knowles, who chaired the meeting, added: “The important thing now is to build on the commitment and goodwill displayed to coordinate the wide range of experience and support available, and importantly, to ensure the pathway to that information and support is easily and readily accessible to those who need it.

“The partners who attended covered so many key sectors from uniformed services, NHS, local authorities, voluntary and community organisations, local businesses, and individuals. They have lived experience of this delicate subject and the range of contributory factors. 

“Harborough District Council officers are pulling the aspirations, points, comments and commitments into a working document and that will form the basis of the next meeting in a few weeks’ time and will help form the way forward.”

The next meeting will be switched to an evening start time as it will assist those who attended and importantly potentially offer the opportunity to more people to get involved.

Cllr Knowles added: “Suicide and self-harm are serious issues that impact families and communities across the country and Harborough is no exception. All these incredible parters and partner groups individually offer so much. Collectively we have the potential to deliver something exceptional.”