Suicide Prevention Strategy

1. Does the local authority have an agreed suicide prevention action plan or strategy?

Devon County Council (DCC) aligns itself to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England Suicide prevention in England: fifth progress report – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). A yearly Action Plan is then produced prioritising areas of work, as recommended by The Samaritans; National and local suicide prevention strategies | Samaritans
Prioritisation is decided by a multi-agency strategic group (Devon Suicide Prevention Strategic Group), who also oversee its delivery.

a. If so, does this strategy recognise veterans as an at-risk, priority or tailored group?

The Action Plan does not specifically identify Veterans as an at-risk group rather it has a focus on the at-risk groups identified within the national strategy. Devon does however have a Real Time Surveillance System which means that we can observe any local trends in a timely manner.

b. If so, does your strategy reference veterans in any other way?

The DCC Action Plan does not reference veterans in any other way, but neither does it reference any particular group of people.

c. If so, when is your strategy due to be reviewed?

The Action Plan is reviewed annually, usually in May.

2. Does the local authority have Armed Forces and Veterans Champion?

Yes.  DCC has an Armed Forces Champion.

a. If so, what is the name and contact email address of your Armed Forces and Veterans Champion?

Councillor Roger Croad roger.croad@devon.gov.uk