Road Safety Suicide Prevention Felicity Clayton & Nicola Tweedie

Why is suicide prevention a road safety issue? “Suicide is everybody’s business” Government strategy calls for a multi agency approach Network Rail have shown that it can work in the transport sector Incident numbers

What do we know about suicides? Preliminary findings.. Majority males between 21- 55 Regional differences Different access to means However, we also know.. 1 in 5 adults have had suicidal thoughts - it could happen to anyone any time.

Challenging beliefs “What can we do, it’s not in our control…can we really make a difference?” Yes! Intervention can stop suicidal thoughts “If they are determined, they are going to do it anyway..” Intervention gives us an opportunity to help “We’ll only move the problem to another location…” Research evidence suggests that this isn’t true. 

So what have we done? Listened Ensured senior support Understood our priorities Set out our approach And then…. Listened – samaritans, national rail, expert panel, own staff Senior support – needs leadership and culture to flow from the top Such a big area; focus on what you can change Published our strategy

Data What is happening, where, when and why? Highways England Police Coroners ONS Local authorities Network Rail

Embedding the Approach Safe systems Incident and casualty reduction plans Regional partnerships and local authority multi-agency approach Monitoring and taking action

Taking action - Infrastructure Site specific Limit access & opportunity Signpost support Change the environment Work together Site audit Risk assess Toolkit

Taking action - People Culture Human intervention Training Support Breaking down myths or prejudice Empowering people to act Human intervention The most effective intervention Training Awareness & more Support Recognising the impact on our people

What have we learned? What can you take with you? We’re not the experts Culture is key Senior support Clear strategy Get the basic right Work together What does ‘human intervention’ look like? We’re still learning but some important points to take with you.