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Prior to June 2021 self-reported data was the mechanism used to indicate rates of suicide by ethnicity. This data (although variable over the decades) highlighted that young Black men and middle-aged Black woman were at the highest risk of suicide.
We also know that from the data collected on maternal related mortality that maternal suicide remains the leading cause of direct pregnancy related death in first postnatal year. In the context of the Black community MBBRACE (2021) data evidences that Black women are four times more likely to die during the perinatal period. As the overall national reports did not provide an accurate picture about which ethnic groups was more likely to commit suicide the Office National Statistics (ONS) in England and Wales began collecting and reporting on ethnicity suicide data in 2021 alongside existing gender and age data. The newly published information highlights that suicide rates for men have risen for young Black Caribbean and African men including those from mixed racial backgrounds. Statistics on the inequalities on mental health already indicates the disproportionate mental health illness suffered within ethnic groups especially Black men. The evidence also points to how less likely Black people are to having their needs met by mainstream mental health services.
As an organisation we are committed to improving holistic health and well-being for the Caribbean & African community. Suicide happens in all communities; however, it is a taboo topic in the Black community and therefore people do not talk about it openly. During the pandemic, we lost several members of the black community because of suicide. These unfortunate events prompted us into taking proactive actions to raise awareness within our community in Greater Manchester and beyond with the support of professionals. Suicide prevention awareness, workshops and engagements are very impactful in getting our community to open up, understand more and addressing the myths about this sensitive subject.
We ran a series of suicide awareness workshops that occurred in person and on virtual platforms. For the two face to face workshops over? people attended and for the two workshops 76 people were on the virtual platform. We had an eclectic and rich mix of community & faith leaders, those working within mental health services, members of the public and those who have recovered from suicidal ideations and those who are victims of the loss of loved ones to suicide.
Overall, the feedback from the workshops were very positive and indicated that a lot of learning had taken place. Many of the participants wanted regular workshops to build assets of knowledge in the Black community and to be involved in other mental health training to support their learning on this programme.
Promotional materials were developed to utilise within community settings, and it was important that these were engaging and included representations in relation to gender, age and ethnicity to signal inclusion (see below). Throughout the project our helpline remained available, and we were able to use this to receive calls and signpost to relevant agencies where required. We were also able to refer to our counselling service for culturally, racially and religiously tailored support and below are a selection of case studies and a number of clients that we supported through their suicidal challenges.
On April 16th April CAHN held a young people’s event on suicide and used the recent unfortunate incident of an African college student that committed suicide because of bullying. This event brought together over 35 young people on a Saturday afternoon with a counsellor to discuss mental health and suicide. Several questions ensued from the conversations held that afternoon and feedback provided highlighted the need for more work to be done to protect our young people from mental health issues and suicide.
Several plans both short and long-term have been identified and plans are already in motion to get them executed. 1. We have a number of upcoming engagements and activities geared towards reaching out to the community. Suicide Awareness Training Event Facilitated by: Bishop Herbie McKenzie Date: Friday 13th May 2022. Venue: Denmark Road Sports Centre, Manchester, M15 6FG 2. Further engagement Create safe spaces to have continued conversations over a period of 3 months. This will include a small group of 8-10 people to design a suicide prevention infographic that will guide young people to talk and signpost others for support.
Next steps
Several plans both short and long-term have been identified and plans are already in motion to get them executed.
1. We have a number of upcoming engagements and activities geared towards reaching out to the community.
Suicide Awareness Training Event Facilitated by: Bishop Herbie McKenzie Date: Friday 13th May 2022. Venue: Denmark Road Sports Centre, Manchester, M15 6FG
2. Further engagement
Create safe spaces to have continued conversations over a period of 3 months. This will include a small group of 8-10 people to design a suicide prevention infographic that will guide young people to talk and signpost others for support.
