Evaluation of a pilot police-led suicide early alert surveillance strategy in the UK.

INTRODUCTION: Those bereaved by suicide are at increased risk of psychological harm, which can be reduced with the provision of timely support. This paper outlines an evaluation of a pilot police-led suicide strategy, in comparison to a coroner-led suicide strategy looking at the number, and length of time it takes for deaths to be recorded for each strategy. Additionally, the police-led strategy offers timely contact from support services for bereaved individuals. We examined what impact this offer of support had on the capacity of support services. METHODS: A mixed methods evaluation compared how long it took for suspected suicides to be recorded using both strategies. The number of referrals received by support services during the pilot strategy were compared with those from previous years. A feedback focus group, and interviews, were held with key stakeholders. RESULTS: The coroner strategy was more consistent at identifying suspected suicides; however, reports were filed quicker by the police. Bereaved individuals were willing to share contact details with police officers and consent for referral to support services which lead to increased referrals. The focus group and interviews revealed that the pilot police strategy needs better integration into routine police practice. CONCLUSIONS: This strategy has the potential to deliver a real benefit to those bereaved by suicide; however, there are still aspects which could be improved.

Exploring young women's perspectives of a targeted support programme for teenage parents.

CONTEXT: Teenage parents and their children are at risk of poorer outcomes than older mothers, and their peers. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate participants' experiences of a targeted teenage parent support programme. DESIGN: A qualitative study was conducted to gain feedback from participants of a locally commissioned teenage parent support programme. Four focus groups were held with participants attending the programme in different areas of the county, and analysed using applied thematic analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Teenage mothers aged 16-19 years from vulnerable backgrounds (n=18) attending a teenage parent support programme in County Durham. RESULTS: Two major themes emerged from the analysis focusing on factors influencing enrolment and continued engagement and how the programme leads to personal development for mother and child.The majority of participants felt that the group fostered a supportive environment and led to a reduction in social isolation. The provision of free transport and childcare onsite was seen as a key component of the service without which many would not have been able to attend. DISCUSSION: The programme appeared effective at increasing the emotional and social capabilities of teenage mothers. It had a positive impact on parents' engagement in education and employment, as well as impacting on children's social development. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted support programmes have the ability to increase social and emotional capabilities of teenage mothers and their children. They can increase engagement in education and employment for teenage mothers. The provision of transport and free child care places can enhance engagement in such programmes.