Lambeth Council's new health and well-being strategy includes a re-vamped suicide prevention plan.

The council will focus on the emotional well-being of children and young people and seek to address inequalities in mental health outcomes for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities, as part of the new strategy.

Lambeth has an average of 24 deaths from suicide each year, with suicide rates for men three times than those for women, but has lower rates of suicide in relation to risk factors, according to council documents.

“Local data highlighted that Lambeth has lower rates of actual suicide but higher rates of risk factors associated with suicide including mental ill health, substance misuse and insecurity arising out of economic circumstances,” the document read.

“Therefore the approach within Lambeth has been to utilise the formulation of the local strategy and action plan to underpin focused action on these and other associated risk factors.

“Amongst the priorities identified within the Lambeth suicide strategy there

are actions to: improve the emotional health and well-being of children and young people; address inequalities in mental health outcomes for BME communities in Lambeth; continue to deliver quality support for people presenting with both mental health and substance misuse issues; and engaging with advice agencies and other agencies to assist people who may be vulnerable due to economic circumstances.”

The suicide rate in Lambeth for all persons at 10.2 per 100,000 population is similar to that for London, according to council documents.

The documents said intervention was also needed for those with a history of self-harm as they have an increased risk of death by suicide.

“Self-harm is more common than suicide and it is important that we provide early interventions for people with a history of self-harm,” the documents said.

The plans can be updated to reflect any regional and national changes and will guide the council from 2018 to 2019.