Mayor of London and London Health Board deep dives into Suicide Prevention across the region

Members of the London Health Board, chaired by the Mayor of London, undertook a deep dive on suicide prevention in London at the meeting held on Wednesday, 6 March 2024.

The London Health Board (LHB) is a non-statutory group chaired by the Mayor of London comprising elected leaders and key London professional health leads. The session on 6 March was the final meeting of Mayor Khan’s second term in office.

Updating on regional partnership working and initiatives to the Mayor and LHB members were Dr Melanie Smith, Director of Public Health, Brent and Chair of Thrive LDN Advisory Group, Dr Phil Moore, Chair, Thrive LDN Suicide Prevention Group, Harry Biggs-Davison, Chair of Trustees, Papyrus UK, and Alex Hills, Wellbeing Service Manager covering London, Papyrus UK.

The purpose of the session was to update the Board on citywide and partner progress made towards London being a zero-suicide city. As well as to discuss some of the key challenges London is grappling with, in relation to suicide prevention and reduction of attempted suicides and self-harm.

During the session, the Mayor reminder Board members that in London, around 10 people a week take their own life. Whilst this is the lowest rate of any region in England, he called for further progress and commitment to drive improvements for the prevention and early intervention of suicide from London partners.

The Mayor also reminded the Board about the #ZeroSuicideLDN campaign and encouraged everyone to keep sharing the free, online suicide prevention training offered by the Zero Suicide Alliance which is promoted through the campaign. The Mayor outlined how the training has supported him in his role through conversations he has.

A continued commitment was agreed by members, including from the NHS in London and local government, for continued partnership working and collaboration to supporting Londoners when they need it most.

A video clip of the session from the meeting can also be viewed online through the Mayor’s webcast.