Public Health, Isle of Man Government
The purpose of Public Health on the Isle of Man is to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of the whole population of the Isle of Man and to reduce health inequalities. We operate through strong partnerships with individuals, communities and key public, private and voluntary organisations.
Our values include:
-Working systematically to alter our environment, improve lifestyles and reduce risk factors across our population
-Prioritising interventions which will achieve change for the greatest number of people at affordable cost
-Championing approaches that support individuals, families and communities in taking responsibility for their own health and wellbeing
-Working with partners across government, private and third sectors to get public health into all policies – supporting people to take responsibility for their own health by ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge and live in environments and communities where healthy choices are easy choices
How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?
Public Health play a coordinating role in suicide prevention on the Isle of Man
What are your current priorities?
There has been a large increase in suspected suicides in recent months above the baseline of previous years. Our current priority is establishing real time suicide surveillance and postvention in an initiative we are calling Suspected Suicide Rapid Response.
What challenges are you currently facing?
Understanding local trends, such as emerging methods, high frequency locations, clusters and vulnerable groups relies on cross departmental, cross sector information sharing. Monitoring the effectiveness of interventions also requires reliable and timely data. Our biggest challenge is satisfying the information defence infrastructure that this is necessary, proportionate, legal etc., etc.