A new oversight group focused on suicide prevention will hold its first meeting this month, coinciding with the launch of a related strategy for the island.
Mental Health Director Andy Weir last week said the Suicide Prevention Strategy was being presented to Health Minister Tom Binet for sign off, and was due to be launched in February.
He added that a new Suicide Prevention Oversight Group was being established “in parallel” with the document.
“One of the things that Suicide Prevention Strategy is going to say is that there needs to be a Suicide Prevention Oversight Group, because there hasn’t been,” said Mr Weir.
“So we’ve established that, and we have our first meeting booked for February.”
The Mental Health Director explained that the strategy marks the culmination of “a lot of work from a lot of different people, including people that have been affected by suicide”.
Other contributors include third sector organisations, police, Education and Children’s Services, and the mental health team.
The group is likely to meet every other month, Mr Weir added, “because this isn’t fast work”.
“This is stuff that will take a bit of time,” he explained.
Data released last year revealed the number of cases of under-20s attending the Emergency Department due to self-harm more than doubled from 43 cases in 2019 to 95 in 2021.
But the last year has seen progress in the sector – with the completion of new mental health ward Clinique Pinel, better access into mental health services, the introduction of peer support workers, and improved governance.
At the end of 2024, Mr Weir also praised work with the police that has seen a substantial reduction in mental health incidents dealt with by officers, giving the force more time for day-to-day policing.
He added that further reductions in waiting times, the introduction of a ‘crisis café’ and a programme for better inpatient services are among the priorities being targeted for 2025.
SUPPORT…
If you or someone else are at immediate risk, call 999 or visit the Emergency Department.
In a mental health crisis, call the Adult Mental Health crisis line on 01534 445290. For children and teenagers, contact the Children and Families Hub on 01534 519000 or at childrenandfamilieshub@gov.je.
The Listening Lounge offers counsellors and peer support workers with lived experience of mental ill-health for peer support and counselling. Contact them at info@listeninglounge.care or 01534 866793.
The Samaritans offer a free listening service 24/7 on 116 123. You can also email jo@samaritans.org or write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS.