Angela Allen from Bags for Strife has been invited to the meeting.
Minutes:
The Chair welcomed Angela Allen from the charity organisation Bags for Strife to the meeting and invited her to say some introductory comments.
The charity was established in the aftermath of personal experiences with suicide and as a response to the gap between the support available, and the support that was needed at such a devastating time.
The name and concept was born out of the four feelings those affected by suicide most commonly experience, Blame, Anger, Guilt and Sadness (BAGS). Very simple concept of a bag full of practical information, guidance on local services and other symbolic items such as tea bags, chocolate and self-care products as reminders to talk to others, eat and take time to look after yourself.
The bags are provided to other organisations and partners to distribute to families and loved ones affected by suicide. Lancashire Police had been integral to this when responding to instances of suicide and delivering the news to family and friends, or subsequently when Family Liaison Officers provide further support. The charity also work with other police forces, universities, Coroner’s Office’s and other local groups to distribute the bags.
The charity operates nationally and has recently delivered it’s 2,000th bag with future plans including developing a bag specifically targeted to younger people.
A number of questions were asked by members with responses summarised below:
· Information provided in the bags do vary and will include guidance on localised services and support groups that are available. Every bag includes a ‘Little Book of Help’ which contains experiences and stories of others affected by suicide so people don’t feel as alone in their grief.
· It is vitally important to reach out and widen the circle of support, those closest to you will be experiencing their own grief and it can be overwhelming to offer support and care to others when experiencing it themselves. Everyone deals with things differently so is about finding your own person able to support you.
· It was disappointing that Lancashire Police ceased distributing the bags when responding to a suicide around six months ago with members supportive of urging this decision to be re-considered. The bags support officers delivering tragic news so they can provide better help/signposting to the affected loved ones.
· As it is often specialised and trained officers who visit families of suicide victims, including the bags as standard in all police vehicles was unlikely to be implemented.
· Aside from the Police, faith leaders, funeral directors, coroners and other local charities across the country helped to distribute the bags to those in need. On whether the council could play a role in the delivery of bags, it was noted that officers and councillors would likely not be sufficiently equipped or trained to provide specialist mental health support that may arise.
· A barrier to organisations working more collaboratively on projects such as this centred around sharing of information and data protection.
· Suicide support services commissioned by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and provided by AMPARO in Lancashire were discussed and questions raised about the extent of and effectiveness of the service. Members expressed a desire to explore this further.
· In relation to the support police officers provide to families and loved ones, it was suggested that groups such as Andy’s Man Club, BAGS for Strife and others could facilitate training for officers to better equip them to deal with these distressing situations.
Potential Recommendations of the Task Group
· To urge Lancashire Police to reconsider the decision not to provide bags to the family and friends affected by suicide.
· To write to AMPARO and/or the ICB to request further information on the suicide support services they provide in Lancashire.
· To request a representative from AMPARO attend a future meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to deliver a presentation on the services they deliver in Lancashire and answer questions from the Committee.