Public Health England

How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?

PHE works closely with PHE centres and Local Authority Public Health Directorates. Local Authorities are well placed to develop suicide prevention strategies and develop action plans as they know their local communities and the inequalities within them. Suicide and self-harm rates are monitored on a local authority bases as part of the Public Health Outcomes Framework (PHOF) measures.

What are your current priorities?

Public Health England (PHE) is a National Agency that has a remit to improve the health of the people of England and reduce health inequalities. Good health is more than the absence of disease. The well-being and mental health team within PHE crosses the spectrum from population well-being to better outcomes for those with a mental illness. Suicide prevention is a cross cutting theme.

What challenges are you currently facing?

PHE is only in its second year as an organisation. Many public sector organisations are facing major cuts in funding as austerity measures are introduced within the UK and PHE has its part to play with the cuts being introduced. However PHE have developed a Wellbeing and Mental Health team with a Director leading the work as it recognises the importance of Mental Health and suicide prevention within such austere times.