Suicide prevention
Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide
We want Kent and Medway to be a place where everyone feels able to talk openly about their mental health, seek help when they need it, and receive timely, compassionate support.
Suicide can affect anyone
Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone. They do not only occur in people with a diagnosed mental health condition or those who have previously accessed mental health services. Thoughts of suicide may arise following experiences such as bereavement, trauma, relationship difficulties, loneliness, financial pressures, physical health problems or significant life changes.
There may not always be obvious signs that someone is struggling. This is why it is important to check in with people, listen with compassion and avoid making assumptions about who may be at risk.
Our vision is that:
- people understand that suicide can be prevented
- people experiencing emotional distress know where and how to find support
- children, young people and adults can access timely help that is right for their age and needs
- families, friends, carers, schools, workplaces and communities feel more confident starting conversations about suicide
- services work together to provide safe, compassionate and effective support
- people affected by suicide, including those who are bereaved, can access the support they need.
- hope, connection and recovery are possible for everyone
Working together
Suicide prevention is everybody's responsibility. Health and care services, local authorities, voluntary and community organisations, schools, workplaces, families and communities all have an important role to play.
By recognising when someone may be struggling, listening without judgement, showing compassion and helping them access support, we can all contribute to safer, more connected communities across Kent and Medway.
Our approach
- Promote hope, connection and recovery.
- Encourage people to seek help early.
- Make information clear and easy to find and understand.
- Use respectful, person-centred and non-stigmatising language.
- Recognise and respond to the different needs of adults, children and young people.
- Learn from people with lived experience and those affected by suicide.
- Work collaboratively across services, communities and organisations.
- Focus on prevention, early intervention and timely support.
