People and communities
CONFERENCE: Making Connections that Matter – Preventing Domestic Abuse Related Suicide
In November 2024 the three Devon local authorities’ public health teams and domestic abuse and sexual violence commissioners joined together to deliver a multi-agency conference. The conference focused on Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) and Suicide Prevention.
Conference speakers (time stamp) included:
0:01:41 Welcome by Nicola Glassbrook, Devon County Council
0:12:12 Rachel Brett, Torbay Council -Public Health Perspective
0:30:15 Prof. Jane Monckton-Smith OBE – Threat escalation tracking: homicide and suicide
1:05:47 Task Smith, Pete’s Dragons – Real Time Surveillance System (RTSS)
1:14:52 Liz Cirasuolo – VAWG Strategic Lead, DCC – Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) 5 years in review (until 1:31:10)
1:48:25 Collette Eaton-Smith, Devon ICB – MARACs and Suicide Prevention
1:58:55 Sarah Dangar, Doctorial Researcher, City St George’s University of London – Domestic Abuse related suicide: The ‘known unknown’ (until 2:37:55)
2:55:16 Short films by local groups on their suicide prevention/ domestic abuse work (played across the lunch break)
3:47:30 Luke Kendall, The Drive Partnership – Responding to high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse at risk of suicide (until 4:27:34)
With 137 delegates in attendance on the day and the event live-streamed we were able to reach over 180 multi-agency professionals.
Looking After You
If you choose to watch the conference recording you will note regular interjections from Zebra Collective who were commissioned to deliver wellbeing activities. We recognise that discussion on the topics of domestic abuse and suicide can be challenging and emotive – it is important we consider our own wellbeing and seek support when we need it. If appropriate feel free to complete the exercises within the recording. Please also make use of the resources and support available to you.
Every Mind Matters – free online NHS resources to help improve your mental wellbeing.
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
Mind relaxation tips and exercises
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/relaxation/relaxation-tips/
NHS Mental Health Crisis Support – call 111 and select the mental health option
Samaritans – 24/7 confidential support by phone – call 116 123 for free, or email, use online chat, and access self-help guides. https://www.samaritans.org/
Papyrus – advice and support by phone 0800 0684141, or text 88247 for young people up to age 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or those supporting young people who could be thinking about suicide. https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Shout – free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258.
WEBINAR: Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Support – What is available locally?
This webinar took place in November 2024 and included organisations across Devon and Torbay. We had 164 delegates attending the live webinar with over 50 views since. Organisations were tasked with explaining their service, who it is aimed at and how to access. Organisations included: Checkpoint, Young Person’s Social Prescriber, Parental Minds, Sounds Communities, Young Devon and many more!
