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Written question asked by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 January 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 26 January 2024. It was answered by Mims Davies (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 January 2024 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Social Security Benefits: Self-harm and Suicide

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what (a) support his Department provides to and (b) safeguarding measures are in place within the welfare system for people assessed to be at serious risk of suicide or self-harm; and whether he plans to take steps to strengthen that support.

Answer

The Department recognises the importance of supporting vulnerable customers. All staff working with customers undertake comprehensive training to equip them with the skills to be able to support those who express an intention of suicide or self-harm.

The Department has an established Six Point Plan for staff to follow when they identify a customer who may be at risk of harming themselves. This toolkit ensures that appropriate support is provided and this may involve notifying emergency services in the event where the customer is at immediate risk.

The Six Point Plan is under continuous review to ensure it aligns with current thinking on mental health. We also have Advanced Customer Support Senior Leaders whose role is to reach across local communities to underpin our relationships with other organisations that provide support to our customers.

The Work and Pensions Select Committee announced an inquiry into ‘Safeguarding vulnerable claimants’ on 21 July 2023 and will examine this with emphasis on whether the Department’s approach to safeguarding needs to change.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
11412
Session
2023-24
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Protection Social security benefits Suicide Self-harm
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk