Suicide
Suffolk's Suicide Prevention Strategy
In Suffolk, around 60 people each year take their own life.
‘Suffolk Lives Matter’ is the name of Suffolk’s Suicide Prevention Strategy. It has 5 themes:
-
Reducing Suicide Risk
-
Supporting People at Greatest Risk
-
Taking Action Together
-
Improving How We Collect and Interpret Information
-
Working with People in Suffolk
There are many factors which increase an individual’s risk of suicide.
Individuals may have a history of self-harm or have experienced trauma in childhood for example. Being in contact with the criminal justice system and drug and alcohol misuse can also be factors.
For more information and to access support see the Healthy Suffolk website
A new film featuring various partners from across Suffolk has been released which aims to prevent suicide.
The ‘Just Say Hello’ campaign aims to raise awareness of how a simple ‘hello’ can make the difference to a person’s mental wellbeing, whether it be a loved one or a stranger.
Watch the video here: Just say hello, Just listen, Just reach out.
Amparo Suffolk
Amparo Suffolk is a countywide suicide liaison service offering support following notification of a suspected suicide, including one-to-one individual support and practical help.
Individuals can self-refer to Amparo Suffolk or be referred by a professional on their behalf.
Amparo Suffolk can offer support following a suicide in a range of ways, including:
-
One to one individual support
-
Help with any media enquiries
-
Practical support when dealing with the Police or Coroner
-
Help overcoming feelings of isolation
Amparo Suffolk can be contacted on 0330 088 9255, email: Amparo.service@listening-ear.co.uk or more information can be found on the Amparo website.
Stay Alive App
The free Stay Alive suicide prevention app gives access to local and national helplines and crisis services, a safety plan and other resources.
For more information about the app see the Grassroots Preventing Suicide Together website.
When reporting or communicating on suicide and self-harm, please bear in mind Samaritans’ Media Guidelines. For further advice, contact the Media Advisory team on 07483 028725/07850 312224 or email: mediaadvice@samaritans.org
Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org
Resources
-
What to do if you believe a child or young person is at risk of suicide -SSP Guidance
-
Learning Together Self Harm & Suicide in Adolescence - June 2019
Contact details of national and local organisations
-
Samaritans - Call 116 123 free
-
Suffolk Mind - call 0300 1116000
-
Hope After Suicide Loss (HOPE) - a website designed by survivors for survivors
-
The Source - advice for young people in Suffolk
-
Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide) for young people up to age 35 - Call HopelineUK 0800 068 4141 free
-
Childline - free, confidential advice and support for those up to age 18 - 0800 1111
-
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) - call 0800 58 58 58
-
Mental Health Foundation - offers support and guidance
-
NSPCC - call their helpline if you are concerned about a child 0808 800 5000
-
Grassroots Suicide Prevention - offers support and guidance