Purpose

Following the recent rise in male suicides in Harwich, our partners in Health are looking at interventions that can be brought in that will have a positive impact on men in the area and hopefully drive down the rate of suicide in the future.
Healthwatch Essex’s Fella's Forum is an early intervention programme of support targeted at men with the aim of reducing rates of suicide. The forum is set up to bring men of all ages together where they can discuss their physical, mental health, their interests or anything else that is on their mind. Healthwatch have now been commissioned in three areas across Essex to deliver their Fella's Forum programme, including Colchester in North East Essex.
Healthwatch believe they have a programme that works and have recognised the essential elements of the work which will drive successful engagement including spending time in the community to establish connections and gain trust to ensure the intervention works.
With suicide prevention a key priority within TDC’s Health

Decision

To allocate £5,000 of ECC Public Health grant funding to support the set up of a Fella's Forum in Harwich to support men with their mental health and prevent social isolation and reduce rates of suicide.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - To allocate £5,000 of ECC Public Health grant funding to support the set up of a Fella's Forum in Harwich to support men with their mental health and prevent social isolation and reduce rates of suicide.
Option 2 - To not allocate £5,000 of ECC Public Health funding to support the set up of a Fella's Forum in Harwich. This will mean we have not responded to support an area where we know suicide is a significant issue.