Report on Consultation on Suicide Prevention Strategy

This report summarises a Healthwatch Wandsworth consultation conducted to inform the borough's Suicide Prevention Strategy. The consultation engaged 69 people, including groups considered at higher risk of suicide, such as men, people with mental health difficulties, people affected by substance misuse, and those experiencing financial or relationship problems. 

The consultation found that suicide remains heavily stigmatised and that many people felt media coverage of suicide and mental illness was often unsympathetic. Participants believed there needed to be more open discussion, better public awareness, and a greater focus on positive and informative messaging about mental health and suicide. 

A major finding was that awareness of support services was limited. While 59% of respondents knew of some services, 41% did not know where to seek help if they or someone they knew were at risk. Many participants also reported difficulties accessing help quickly, long waiting times, and confusion about available support pathways. 

The consultation paid particular attention to male suicide, as three-quarters of suicide deaths in Wandsworth were among men. Respondents suggested that men often found it difficult to discuss emotional problems and recommended male-specific support groups, greater public awareness, improved GP recognition of mental health difficulties, easier access to support, and less stigma around seeking help. 

People with lived experience emphasised that the most helpful support was often being listened to without judgement, having access to talking therapies, support from friends and family, home visits, peer support, and practical help with problems such as debt, housing or employment.

Overall, Healthwatch concluded that suicide prevention requires both improved services and wider cultural change. The report recommended increasing the availability and accessibility of support services, improving public awareness of where to get help, developing campaigns to reduce stigma, and ensuring services are designed in ways that encourage vulnerable people, particularly men, to seek support before reaching crisis point.