Memorandum from PAPYRUS (Prevention of
Suicides)
PAPYRUS (Prevention of Suicides) is a UK national
charity working in suicide prevention. Our members have a wide
variety of backgrounds, from parents bereaved by suicide and professionals
in the field to ordinary people who have an interest in reducing
the number of deaths by suicide.
PAPYRUS has responded to the consultations on
the reform of the Mental Health Act, the National Strategy for
the Prevention of Suicide in England and Scotland and NICE guidelines
on the treatment of depression, depression in children and self
harm. Our members have also responded to some of these as individuals
and some members are active on local health care committees.
In 1999, we were instrumental in gathering together
several voluntary organisations and student bodies to produce
recommendations to the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals
(CVCP) for the management of student mental health services in
higher education. The CVCP used these recommendations in its production
of Guidelines on Student Mental Health, 2000.
We would ask the committee to consider the issue
of suicide and attempted suicide as an integral part of the duty
of care for the Armed Forces. The main areas of concern are reducing
stigma, providing adequate and appropriate support, and effective
education and training for staff who are in contact with recruits
and young servicemen.
Stigma can be reduced, for instance, by referring
to mental health issues as a normal and natural response to internal
and environmental stimuli. Stress can be debilitating if not treated
appropriately. Providing young people with the coping skills they
need to deal with the situations they may face can prove beneficial
to the service as well as the person.
The support necessary will vary from person
to person and will also change to suit the need. Not all mental
health problems respond to medication. Some individuals can be
effective team members with the correct level of assistance. All
personnel should have access to an arena for discussing their
concerns in a confidential and non-judgemental way.
Staff training is essential in identifying those
who may be at risk or vulnerable, and for taking measures to reduce
the harmful effects of some "traditional" behaviours
eg hazing or bullying recruits. Medical staff should also have
some specific training in identifying potential mental health
problems, including recognition of potentially dangerous side
effects of medication and recreational drugs.
PAPYRUS has produced a video pack, initially
for secondary schools, which is being used by a range of youth
services to introduce discussion of issues which may lead to suicide.
The Armed Forces in Germany ordered several copies some time ago,
we have not heard how they were used or to what effect.
Tony Cox
Co-ordinator—on behalf of the trustees and
members of PAPYRUS
April 2004
| 
