Lewisham Suicide Prevention Strategy 2027-2029

Overview

Lewisham Council and its partners are developing a new Suicide Prevention Strategy for 2027-2029 to update the previous one, and would like your views. 

Every death by suicide is a tragedy and it affects individuals, families, friends, workplaces, schools and communities. While Lewisham's suicide rate remains below the national average, every death is one too many and we must continue to act to reach all those at risk. Our draft strategy will set out how organisations across Lewisham will work together to prevent suicide, reduce self-harm and improve support for people affected by suicide.

We're developing the strategy using local evidence including data, stakeholder engagement and lived experience input. We are now seeking feedback from residents, communities, professionals and partners before producing a full draft.

Important Information

This consultation discusses suicide, self-harm and mental health. Some people may find these topics upsetting. Please only continue if you feel comfortable doing so. You can stop taking part at any time.

Your answers will be anonymous, but if you identify yourself and tell us something that suggests you or someone else may be at risk of harm, we may need to act on this information to help keep people safe.

If you need support now:

• NHS 111 and select the Mental Health Option
• Call 999 if somebody is at immediate risk of harm
• Solidarity in a Crisis offer peer-led mental health crisis support
• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day).  Lewisham, Greenwich and Southwark Samaritans offer listening support to people in distress
• Lewisham SUN group is a peer support group offer crisis support for people with complex emotional needs
• Contact your GP or local mental health service

Why are we engaging now?

The purpose of this engagement is to understand whether our plans for the strategy reflect the needs, experiences and priorities of people in Lewisham.  Your feedback will help us understand:

• Whether you support the overall direction of the strategy
• Whether the proposed priorities are the right ones
• Whether there are groups or issues that need greater attention
• Whether additional actions should be included

All feedback will be reviewed before the final strategy is presented for approval. 

About the draft strategy: Our vision

Our vision is a future where more lives are saved from suicide, and every person in distress finds hope, safety, and support 

We recognise that suicide prevention is everybody's business. Preventing suicide requires action from communities, public services, employers, schools, health services, voluntary organisations and residents working together.  

What we know

Local evidence tells us:

• Lewisham's suicide rate remains below the England average and has reduced over the last few years for males and females.
• Around three quarters of deaths are among men.  
• Most deaths occur at home.
• The over-65 years old age group has seen a small increase over the last ten years in the suicide rate
• The emergency hospital admissions rate for intentional self-harm at all ages has reduced over the last few years
• The hospital admissions rate as a result of self-harm in 10-24 year olds is below that of England and has come down over the last few years
• Many people who die by suicide in Lewisham were not in contact with specialist mental health services at the time of death.  From recent crisis call data to NHS 111 for Lewisham, 47% were not known to mental health services.

Our proposed priorities

The draft strategy proposes six priorities for action. Each section of the survey will briefly explain the priority and ask for your feedback.