Suicide prevention project nominated for prestigious award

GROUND BREAKING work to reduce suicide rates in the Bridgend area has led to a nomination in this year’s Police and Crime Commissioner Partnership Awards.

A taskforce comprising representatives from South Wales Police, Public Health Wales, Bridgend County Borough Council and employees from the then Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board was put together last year to look at what could be done to prevent suicides in the Bridgend area.

The work followed on from the implementation of a Bridgend Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy which saw GPs better placed to offer support, new training for all secondary school teachers, easier access to help and support, follow-up checks and school visits to raise awareness, among other measures. Subsequently, suicide rates have fallen in the area and remain low.

The strategy has since been shared nationwide, with South Wales Police Superintendent Claire Evans nominating the team for a partnership award which has earned them a place on the shortlist.

Superintendent Evans said: “One of our key force priorities is vulnerability. The work this group is doing is undoubtedly having a positive impact, providing better safeguarding and support for the vulnerable within our communities.

“I have been very impressed with the positive attitude displayed by all members of the group. In recent months, and as the work of our group had been shared regionally, I had come to realise that what we were doing here in Bridgend was having positive results.”