Suicide is a significant public health and social inequality issue; 5219 suicides were registered in England during 2021, an increase of 307 from 2020.* **
The death of someone by suicide has a devastating impact on families, friends, workplaces, schools, universities, and communities. If we want to improve the chances of future generations, we need to address this and do absolutely everything we can to prevent suicide. No suicide is inevitable. There are numerous ways in which services can improve practice further to reduce suicides.
Hosted by North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust this year, the annual Suicide Prevention Conference is on Monday 7 November 2022 – online via MS Teams. This year’s theme is on ‘HOPE’ and how the community works together to reduce the risk of suicide in our local area. The conference will focus on how the NHS, voluntary sector, charities and public health all work together to support people, and will feature many leading guest speakers.
Further details and a full programme/agenda will be announced shortly, with bookings now open. Registration is free and you can secure your place and book here
*Source – Suicides in England and Wales – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
**Source – Suicide facts for journalists and programme makers | Samaritans’ media guidelines
Do you need help?
· Combined Healthcare’s Access Team are available any time of the day or night, every day of the year and for any age on 0800 0 328 728 (Option 1). https://www.combined.nhs.uk/how-to-access-us-in-a-crisis/
· Samaritans offers a 24-hour confidential telephone helpline. Tel: 116 123 (free) or 01782 213555. You can also get in touch via or by writing to them. More information is available on their website here.
· Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline; call free from landlines and mobile networks on 0808 800 2234; Text: 07860 022821 (free); Email: Staffordshire.helpline@brighter-futures.org.uk; online chat available https://www.brighter-futures.org.uk/staffordshire-mental-health-helpline/
· NHS 111 – Trained nurses can give help and support 24-hours- a-day via telephone on 111
If you are concerned about an immediate risk of harm – either to yourself or someone else – phone 999.