In response to elevated suicide rates, Essex County Council is taking steps to address the issue by hiring a dedicated mental health officer. The council is offering a remuneration of £37,500 for the position of a public mental health and suicide prevention officer.
The selected candidate will be focused on the north-eastern region of the county, where areas like Tendring and Colchester have witnessed suicide rates notably higher than the national average. Recognizing the significance of this role, the council aims to make a substantial impact on these communities.
The county has previously faced criticism from coroners regarding the adequacy of mental health services provided. The job advertisement emphasizes the need for this role, stating, “Suicide rates in some parts of Essex have historically been higher than the national average, so this role presents a real opportunity for the right candidate to make a difference.”
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics reveal that between 2019 and 2021, the suicide rate stood at 13.8 individuals per 100,000 in Tendring and 15 per 100,000 in Colchester. Comparatively, the national average during the same period was 10.6 per 100,000.
The advertised role requires collaboration with the North East Essex Suicide Prevention Programme, involving coordination with law enforcement, medical facilities, and general practitioners. The officer will play a pivotal role in activities and projects aimed at enhancing collaboration and proactive measures.
Earlier this year, the council received criticism from area coroner Sonia Hayes following the tragic death of Molly-Ann Sergeant in West Mersea near Colchester in 2020. Failures to act on NHS referrals and conduct necessary assessments were identified. The council also faced criticism for not appointing a social worker until after discharge. In response, Essex County Council implemented additional training and policy changes to improve services.
In a separate incident, coroner Sean Horstead raised concerns over the care provided by NHS mental health staff to a 66-year-old resident of Walton-on-the-Naze.
Dr. Geraldine Strathdee OBE, former National Clinical Director for Mental Health at NHS England, is currently leading a statutory inquiry into the deaths of approximately 2,000 individuals who were under the care of the Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust between 2000 and 2020. This inquiry aims to shed light on potential areas of improvement within the mental health care system.
