Decision

 RESOLVED that Cabinet:

a.     Approve the adoption of the Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031 and its five-year action plan; 

b.     Endorse the strategic priorities set out within the Strategy, recognising suicide prevention as a shared responsibility across partners and communities; and 

c.      Support the implementation of the strategy with continued partnership delivery and governance arrangements across the Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Collaborative Board and local Health and Wellbeing Board. 

REASON RESOLVED:

Adoption of the Suicide Prevention Strategy:  

•          Aligns with the Suicide Prevention strategy for England: 2023 to 2028 with aims to prevent self-harm and suicide, including the actions the Local Authorities and other organisations in the local Health and Care system will take to save lives. 

•          Incorporates principles of best practice guidance built on NICE-NG225’s approach for safety assessment, formulation and management mentioned (Staying safe from Suicide, 2025)  

•          Supports the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2023-2028), committed to improving mental health services in line with the culture of care standards for mental health inpatient services (2024). 

•          Is in accordance with legislation or the policy of the Council. 

The strategic actions are recommended to sustain and build on the progress of the phasing out strategy, while responding to evolving local needs and national priorities.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Suicide Prevention is a core public health responsibility requiring coordinated action across health, local government, the voluntary sector, and communities. The previous Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy concluded in end of 2025, therefore a refreshed strategy has been developed in line with national policy and best practice.