You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
TPAS Cymru partners with charity on suicide risk prevention programme
A new initiative has been launched in Wales that aims to reduce suicide risk across the social housing sector.
TPAS Cymru partners with charity on suicide risk prevention programme #UKhousingThe partnership between TPAS Cymru and Samaritans Cymru will see the country’s first-ever suicide risk prevention programme targeting both housing professionals and tenants.
It will be delivered through a series of free online sessions hosted collaboratively by the two organisations.
The Samaritans team will deliver content focusing on suicide awareness and appropriate communication and training for those within the housing workforce and the wider community.
Read More
Neil Ingham, executive director for Wales at Samaritans Cymru, said: “At Samaritans we know that suicide is preventable and that partnership working can ensure those at higher risk of suicide get the support they need.
“We’re really excited to work with TPAS and the Welsh social housing sector to build understanding and take proactive action to prevent suicides in Wales.”
The online sessions will train participants on the importance of listening, and will detail how everyone within the sector can help reduce the risk of suicide for staff and tenants.
This initiative is part of a wider collaboration, supported by the NHS National Programme for Suicide and Self Harm, following research indicating a potential gap in suicide prevention and support concerning social housing tenants and housing trade staff.
Olivia Browne, policy and engagement officer for TPAS Cymru, said: “This is a vital programme for the housing sector which will hopefully make a real difference to tenants and housing sector professionals.
“Stigma around suicide kills, and it’s an honour to be part of something which tackles this and empowers at-risk groups.”
According to the Office for National Statistics, the poorest electoral ward areas in Wales have suicide rates around 10 times higher than the wealthiest. Men are also three times more likely to die by suicide than women, with data also suggesting that skilled trades and manual occupations have significantly higher suicide risk.
Lauren Howells, safeguarding and partnerships lead at Cardiff Community Housing Association (CCHA), attended the launch event.
She said: “Suicide is a really important issue for us at CCHA and across the housing sector.
“Housing staff struggle to have conversations with tenants about suicide, especially with knowing what to say.
“We’re also conscious that our staff may also carry the risk of suicide or could be affected by it. The sector needs to come together to support our staff as well as our tenants.”
Sign up to Inside Housing’s Wales newsletter
Sign up to Inside Housing’s Wales newsletter, a fortnightly round-up of all the key news and insight affecting the Welsh affordable housing sector.
Click here to register and receive the Wales newsletter straight to your inbox.
And subscribe to Inside Housing by clicking here.
Already have an account? Click here to manage your newsletters.
Related stories
