DISCUSSIONS over a new mental health plan for the county will coincide with today’s World Suicide Prevention Day.

Almost 70,000 adults and 7,600 children in Worcestershire have experienced mental health issues and about 50 people each year take their own life.

The mental wellbeing and suicide prevention plan will be on the agenda when the Worcestershire Health and Wellbeing board meets at 2pm today in the Council Chamber, Pershore, with the aim of reducing suicide rates in the area by improving the way in which all partners work together.

County Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We want to do all we can to reduce the risk of suicide, and to build mental resilience and mental well-being.

“Worcestershire’s suicide rate is largely in line with the national average and is stable. However, about 50 people take their own life each year in the county, and every suicide is a unique tragedy with a terrible effect on families, friends and communities.

“The risks of suicide can be reduced by promoting mental wellbeing, and by reducing the stigma that so often is felt to surround mental illness. About one in four adults will have mental health problems in their adult life, so it is a very common issue, for which there is a lot of help available. “We want to make sure that no one feels ashamed of mental illness, and that people are able to access help readily when they need it.”

This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

The body works to prevent suicidal behaviour, alleviating its effects and providing a forum for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers and suicide survivors.

The full minutes of the board’s meeting will be available on the council’s website at worcestershire.gov.uk.

For more information on World Suicide Prevention Day, visit isap.info/wspd.