This is the question that many people are asking, especially those who have lost loved ones to suicide.
The Samaritans is one of the charities asking this question and providing some of the answers.
They have started to build campaigning confidence - exploring barriers that could be faced by those of us who are struggling – as well as thinking about an example of a system (healthcare) that we can push to change by taking action together.
As many Union Safety Reps and Mental Health First Aiders know, advocacy campaigning can make a big difference to help prevent suicides, and to use the power we hold when we come together to push for change.
Being able to see where your voice will help make an impact is crucial, and this Samaritan's quick guide to some of the most important systems in suicide prevention, and how you can influence them; is a tool you can use in your advocacy work helping to prevent suicide.
The guide offers a list of institutions from the Government to the NHS on how they can be used by us to help change the situation in terms of the how and who can be approached in order to help tackle the alarming and growing number of suicides taking place in the UK annually.
Some of the influencers in the UK’s suicide prevention efforts are:
Trade Unions:
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and many trade unions campaign on suicide prevention as well as the supporting/training of their reps/union safety reps on suicide prevention.
The CWU and their Branches, is heavilly involved in training and supporting Mental Health First Aiders, and have also set up a regional structure of union safety reps, mental health networks and provide suicide prevention support campaigns.
See the CWU North West Mental Health Network website pages here for example.
Government and Public Bodies
- Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC): The DHSC plays a central role in shaping policies around mental health and suicide prevention in the UK.
- Public Health England (PHE): PHE has developed resources and frameworks to assist local areas in creating and implementing suicide prevention plans. Their "Suicide Prevention Profile" offers data and insights for effective prevention strategies.
- National Health Service (NHS): The NHS, especially through NHS Mental Health Services, plays a crucial role in providing mental health support, crisis intervention, and long-term care for those at risk of suicide. NHS England has also launched several initiatives aimed at improving mental health services to reduce suicides, such as the Long Term Plan for mental health.
- Local Authorities: Local councils in the UK are responsible for creating and delivering tailored suicide prevention plans in their regions, working closely with healthcare providers and communities.
We can all influence our local MPs, local councillors and Integrated Care Boards as a starting point in promoting the need for action on Suicide Prevention.
You can use the following links to start finding out who these decision makers are in your local area – and get ready to act together at a key moment:
Find out who your MP is
Find your local councillors
Find your local Integrated Care Board (ICB)
However, the political decisions being made will not, in the views of many healthcare experts, not least doctors, GPs and Nurses within the Health service, resolve the true problems with NHS mental health services and for the aim of preventing death by suicide and reducing the awful statistics of deaths in England.
With Labour now refusing to repeal the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and the Health Care Act 2022, the privatisation of healthcare services in the UK will continue unabated.
In fact problems will be accelerated by Wess Streeting and the return of Alan Milburn, Blair's propagator of PFI and privatisation of the NHS which Blair boosted with the creation of NHS Foundation Trusts and allowing the private sector to increase provision of NHS services.
This of course makes campaigning and presurising local and national politicians to provide the services that are needed. Support can be found from a number of sources:
Charitable Organisations
- Samaritans: As one of the largest suicide prevention charities in the UK, Samaritans provides free, confidential support for people in distress. They also conduct advocacy and policy work to influence government decisions related to suicide prevention.
- Mind: This mental health charity works on campaigns to improve mental health services and support. They are key advocates for mental health awareness and work to remove the stigma associated with seeking help.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): CALM focuses on preventing male suicide, which is one of the highest-risk groups in the UK. They provide a helpline, campaigns, and community engagement initiatives.
- Papyrus: Specializing in preventing suicide among young people, Papyrus offers support, training, and resources aimed at those under 35. Their HOPELINEUK offers confidential help to young people in crisis.
- Rethink Mental Illness: Another major mental health charity, Rethink advocates for better policies and support for people with severe mental illness, a group particularly at risk of suicide.
- Mental Health Foundation:Yet another major mental health charity offering support and information on suicide prevention,
- Mary Seacole House: Is a unique service aimed at supporting the mental health needs of BAMER (Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic, and Refugee) communities.
It provides a safe, inclusive space where individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds can come together in a non-oppressive and welcoming environment. The staff offer a range of services, including emotional and practical support, advice, and guidance, to help individuals navigate challenges related to mental health, social integration, and other issues they may face.
Professional and Regulatory Bodies
- Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych): The RCPsych is heavily involved in the mental health aspect of suicide prevention, providing guidelines and training to clinicians and advocating for improvements in mental health services.
- British Psychological Society (BPS): BPS offers research and guidelines to improve psychological support and interventions for those at risk of suicide.
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP): UKCP supports psychotherapists and counselors in delivering high-quality mental health care, especially for individuals in crisis.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): NICE provides evidence-based guidelines that shape the standards of care provided to people at risk of suicide. These guidelines influence mental health services and clinical practice in the UK.
Click the pic above right to download the Samaritan's Guide, or search the Unionsdafety E-Library using the search word 'suicide' to download the guide and other suicide prevention documents within the library.
Source: Samaritans / TUC / CWU /
