G012 | An Hour with Paul Vittles, how far can we go TOWARDS ZERO?

Paul Vittles is the Founder of Towards Zero Suicide CIC and the Chief Facilitator of Zero Suicide Society. Over an hour Paul shares personal insights from his journey of bringing together people on a journey and engaging them in the conversation TOWARDS ZERO. He shares innovative technological advances as well as inspiring personal stories of post-traumatic growth, people with incredible passion and energy who are making a difference in the community.

We all have a part to play and can make a difference. Every little matters, what we can we learn from Becky and Debbie that we can replicate in our own back yard.

Ending on a message of hope, Paul makes a plead to be ambitious, we can and we will make a difference to the numbers of lives lost to suicide. Join us on the path #TowardsZero. Connect with Paul and join the conversation.

The key references are:

Video Highlights from the #ZeroSuicideSociety #Humber-to-Mersey #JoinTheDotsTour Launch Conference 12 June 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48blmJWg1aE

The (Ground-Breaking) Action Research Report 'Moving Towards a Zero Suicide Society'

https://thejordanlegacy.com/moving-towards-a-zero-suicide-society-edition-2-of-the-report/

Webinar Tutorial on the Zero Suicide Society Model, Framework & Transformation Programme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UxlbliuacI

The Jordan Legacy's Call for Greater Ambition in the National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England, 2023-2028

https://thejordanlegacy.com/the-jordan-legacys-response-to-the-governments-national-suicide-prevention-strategy-2023-2028/

Paul Vittles' Detailed Critique of the National SP Strategy for England and Fundamental Flaws in the National Strategy Process

https://paulvittles.medium.com/are-we-in-the-suicide-prevention-business-or-is-it-suicide-maintenance-40a4e4129496

Post-Tour Report Responding to Call for Data, Evidence & Arguments for 'The Business Case' & Expansion of Training

https://paulvittles.medium.com/take-the-training-have-a-conversation-about-suicide-c5e2b977963b

Connect with Assoc Prof Manaan Kar Ray on Linkedin
Follow us on www.progress.guide

Transcript

Moving Towards Zero: An Ambitious Path in Suicide Prevention

Dr. Manaan Kar Ray Hosts Paul Vittles on the Journey to a Zero Suicide Society

Towards Zero, Not Zero: The Power of Aspiration

In a gripping conversation, Dr. Manaan Kar Ray hosts Paul Vittles, the Chief Facilitator of the Zero Suicide Society and the founder of Towards Zero Suicide Community Interest Company. The dialogue dives into the heart of an ongoing movement striving to reach "towards zero" suicides, focusing not merely on targets but on the aspiration to get as close as possible to zero. According to Paul, the phrase "towards zero" avoids the potential hurt or defensiveness that can arise from the idea of "zero suicides." It reflects a practical, inclusive approach—one that brings everyone into the conversation rather than pushing them away. This distinction is crucial; it’s not about compromise but about crafting a path where everyone feels they have a role to play in suicide prevention.

Lived Experience and Professional Transformation

Paul’s journey into suicide prevention began with personal loss in 1980, amidst the collapse of industrial areas in Northeast England. His professional experience spans across transformational change, community engagement, and participatory research. The pivotal moment came when he facilitated the Global Forum on Breakthrough Ideas for Suicide Prevention in 2013. It was here that the realization struck: "We can get these numbers down if we do things right." This experience transformed his perspective, as he witnessed how technological and human-centered solutions could synergize to create impactful changes.

The Role of Technology: Digital Lifesaving in a Complex World

Technology has often been viewed with skepticism in the realm of suicide prevention. However, Paul advocates for a balanced approach. Through initiatives like digital lifesaving apps, there is potential to detect and respond to those at risk. The current challenge lies in the systemic barriers within healthcare, education, and government institutions. As Paul emphasizes, the conversation needs to shift towards "What are the ethics of not implementing these solutions?" Technology, when thoughtfully applied, offers a way to bridge the gaps in current suicide prevention practices.

Human Connection: Stories with a Soul

A compelling part of the conversation revolves around the stories of individuals like Rebecca Jackson and Debbie Rogers, who have turned personal tragedy into a mission of hope and change. Rebecca, having lost her 16-year-old daughter to suicide, created "The Big Fandango," a community center combining suicide prevention training with arts and crafts. Debbie, after losing her brother, established "Sean's Place," which became a haven for over 3,000 men, offering support, connection, and a safe space to talk. These stories serve as powerful examples of how grassroots initiatives can achieve what large institutions often struggle to do—create environments of trust, empathy, and immediate support.

Institutional Barriers: Navigating the Broken System

Paul points out the systemic and cultural barriers within the statutory sector. He highlights issues like long waiting lists, limited access to mental health services, and a lack of safe, supportive spaces. Dr. Manaan Kar Ray raises thought-provoking questions: "What is stopping us in the statutory sector?" The discussion uncovers that processes, capacity, and culture play significant roles in how care is delivered. The pressing need for honest conversations about these constraints could pave the way for more collaborative solutions between governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Low Ambition Costs Lives: The Need for a Belief Shift

One of the most poignant points Paul raises is the issue of low ambition within suicide prevention systems. "Low ambition costs lives," he asserts, urging for a significant change in mindset. There’s a tendency to set modest targets, like a 10% reduction in suicides, which Paul believes falls short of what can actually be achieved. He champions the idea that most suicides are preventable and that the goal should be a 50% reduction, if not more. To achieve this, it's essential to harness the energy and optimism of people with lived experience who are driving change on the ground.

Joining the Dots: Collaboration, Not Competition

Paul and Dr. Manaan Kar Ray discuss the importance of connecting individuals, organizations, and ideas in suicide prevention. The "Join the Dots" initiative in the UK is a prime example of how bringing together various stakeholders, including lived experience experts, can foster collaborative, community-based solutions. The key takeaway is clear: Everyone has a role to play, and only through collective effort can we make strides toward a zero-suicide society.

Ending on Hope: Belief in the Power to Change

The conversation closes on an optimistic note, with Paul asserting that the solutions to reduce suicides already exist. He urges a collective commitment to implement practical actions, embrace technological advances, and nurture community-driven initiatives. His final call to action is both a challenge and an inspiration: "Believe you can make change. Believe it every single day, and you will get the numbers down."

In a world where a life is lost to suicide every 40 seconds, the path towards zero requires ambition, collaboration, and a relentless drive to innovate. This conversation between Dr. Manaan Kar Ray and Paul Vittles serves as a powerful reminder that, while the journey may be complex, hope lies in our collective will to make a difference.