Choose Life Evaluation

Phase 2

Purpose

Phase 2 – 2006-8

Outcome - inform future investment in, and the direction of, Choose Life from 2010 onwards and provide evidence to improve its effectiveness.

Patricia Russell & Associates

Focus of Phase 2• Greater national and local co-ordination• More targeting of high risk groups, but balanced with a public health

approach • Better linkages at national and local level with key services e.g.

mental health care and treatment services and substance misuse services

• A more strategic approach to national and local training

• CPPs asked to make mainstreaming and sustainability a major priority and ensure that “suicide prevention and related activities should be increasingly recognised as key elements and embedded within Joint Health Improvement and related local policies and plans

Objectives– What progress has been made, nationally and locally, towards

the original aims of Choose Life?– How have the lessons from the Phase 1 evaluation been

implemented nationally and locally, to what extent and to what effect on the objectives of Choose Life?

– How successful has Choose Life been in influencing suicide-prevention strategy, policy and practice in local partnerships and across a range of relevant public sector bodies?

– What are the priorities for future investment and resources during 2010-2013 to achieve Choose Life objectives?

– How can Choose Life increase its effectiveness and how can this be measured?

Sources of Evidence

• Interviews

• Discussion Groups

• Sounding Board

• Documentary review (local sustainability report, online surveys - ADATS, NHS Boards, CHPs)

CL Objectives

1. early prevention and intervention 2. responding to immediate crisis 3. improving support for hope and recovery 4. providing support to those who are affected

by suicidal behaviour or a completed suicide 5. awareness raising and encouraging people to

seek help early 6. supporting the media in reporting of suicide 7. knowing what works

Key priority groups

• people with mental heath problems, • prisoners, • looked after children • unemployed.

Highlighted suicide among young men and the strong association between suicide, deprivation and geographical isolation.