Healthwatch Isle of Wight was contacted by a number of families affected by suicide in 2019 and has worked with health and care partners to understand how suicide prevention works on the Isle of Wight.
Healthwatch surveyed GPs about mental health support on the Island and worked with colleagues in Public Health and the local NHS to understand the challenges and opportunities for improving the work being done to prevent suicide.
Recommendations made
Its report, Suicide Prevention and Related Mental Health Provision on the Isle of Wight (December 2020), was discussed at Isle of Wight Council’s Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Health and Social Care (Monday 19th July 2021).
The report makes a number of recommendations to partners on the Island to address historic challenges in the prevention of suicide and will help shape an Island-wide event on suicide prevention to be held in September.
Assurances made
Public Health colleagues, commissioners of health services and Isle of Wight NHS Trust recognise the importance of these recommendations and have assured Healthwatch and Islanders that many of the issues identified have been addressed since 2019.
Some recommendations will take a concerted effort from a range of agencies across the Island to deliver, but Healthwatch and its local partners are committed to bringing about the changes needed for our community.
Luce: Impressed by the level of analysis carried out
Dr Ann Luce, Associate Professor of Journalism and Communication, elected UK representative of the International Association of Suicide Prevention, said,
“I was impressed by the level of analysis carried out in the suicide prevention report by Healthwatch Isle of Wight. I hope it will provide a starting point for those working on suicide prevention across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to reflect on the gaps in provision, what is working well already, and what will need to be improved moving forward.
“It is so important to have an objective third party that can look at topics such as these. It’s only when we work together can we really save lives, and it was great to see Healthwatch’s dedication to this very important issue that affects the local community.”
Bryant: Report shines a light on a very important issue
Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health for the Isle of Wight, said,
“Suicide has a profound effect on family, friends and the local community. Each of these deaths is a tragedy and this report from Healthwatch, shines a light on a very important issue.
“The key principle of the Island’s Suicide Prevention Partnership is that suicide is preventable with an approach that sees statutory agencies, the voluntary sector and others to working together. This report and its recommendations will inform the coming event – ‘Shaping the Future of the Island’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy’ on Tuesday 14 September.
“We are all committed to working together to ensure that people in need of mental health and wellbeing support receive the help they need and we are determined to tackle the wider causes of mental ill health together, as a system.”
Smith: Many of the concerns identified have already been addressed
Alison Smith, Managing Director, Hampshire, Southampton, and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said,
“This report highlights some of the challenges that those working in suicide prevention on the Isle of Wight face and we are grateful to Healthwatch for its work.
“Many of the concerns identified have already been addressed through the ongoing transformation of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Services and we will work with Healthwatch and our other partners to ensure that all of the recommendations are taken forward.
“No one organisation alone can tackle this hugely important issue, it has to be addressed across the whole Island community.”
Stevens: Pleased with the progress we are making
Dr Lesley Stevens, Director of Community, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, at Isle of Wight NHS Trust said,
“All partners on the Island are fully committed to furthering the work already underway to prevent suicide. It is hugely important and requires all parts of the health and care system to work together. I am pleased with the progress we are making in addressing the concerns raised in this report and together we remain focused on tackling the underlying issues that affect people’s mental health and wellbeing, including those at risk of suicide.
“The Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Services we provide have been undergoing real transformation in the last two years and there have been significant improvements made. We work closely with people who use our services and their families, GPs, local authority colleagues and voluntary and charitable organisations to make sure all parts of the system come together to meet the individual needs of people with mental illness.”
Mental health support services
- Saneline Tel: 0300 304 7000 (365 days a year, 4.30pm-10.30pm)- emotional support for people affected by mental health illness, their families or carers
- Mind Tel: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm) providing advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem
- You can also contact the IW Mental Health Safe Haven on 01983 520168 where trained professionals can discuss your mental health concerns and provide you with some help. This service operates Monday to Friday between 5pm-10pm and 10am-10pm (weekends and bank holidays). You can also email: [email protected] if you prefer.
- If you are struggling and need support you can also call the Samaritans free anytime from any phone on 116 123 or email them at [email protected]
- For more information and support, please visit the Isle of Wight online Community Mental Health Support Hub.
News shared by Joanna on behalf of Healthwatch Isle of Wight. Ed
Image: Gianfranco Grenar under CC BY 2.0
