Call to Action for Suicide Prevention
Consultation
for national stakeholders about suicide prevention in England.
Suicide prevention requires action by many stakeholders across
all sectors, because suicidal behaviour is related to so many
varied factors.
The Call to Action consists of national organisations from
across sectors in England committing to take action so that fewer
lives are lost to suicide and people bereaved or affected by a
suicide receive the right support.
To inform the Call to Action, national stakeholders are invited
to share information on their current activities, challenges
experienced and priorities for action by completing a consultation
document.
Background and context
About the
Call to Action
Take
part
Background and context
What is the Call to Action for Suicide Prevention?
Death by suicide is an individual tragedy, and also can have a
devastating effect on families and communities. Any life lost
to suicide is one too many.
What is required to reduce suicide?
Many suicides can be prevented. Reducing suicide requires action
by many stakeholders across all sectors, because suicidal behaviour
is related to so many varied factors.
Suicidal feelings and behaviour are usually the result of a
complex set of issues in someone’s life, and that means many
different agencies all need to play a role in identifying and
supporting people at risk.
Why is the Call to Action needed at this time?
In the current economic climate, and where we are seeing
significant changes to the provision of health services, it is so
important to focus attention on suicide prevention, and not to
allow this issue to be lost from the agenda.
How does the Call to Action relate to the Government’s new
suicide prevention strategy?
The Government strategy provides the framework for suicide
prevention nationally and locally. Government leadership and action
on suicide prevention is vital and the new strategy for suicide
prevention in England is welcome.
The Call to Action complements Government’s strategy. The Call
to Action is to mobilise the action that is needed from across
sectors to successfully support those at risk of suicide, reduce
suicide and support people affected by a suicide.
About the Call to Action
What difference will the Call to Action make?
The Call to Action will be shaped by what stakeholders believe
is important. The achievements of the Call to Action are strongly
dependent on the will and commitment of stakeholders to take action
and work together.
The Call to Action will:
- Engage national organisations so that each organisation or
agency plays their individual role in reducing suicide.
- Seek to achieve real change by prioritising a few of the most
important issues to focus our joint energies on.
- Recognise the good work already underway and help stakeholders
share and coordinate activity
- Make us all more accountable for what we have promised to do
because we have publically stated our commitment.
How will being part of the Call to Action benefit
organisations?
- Suicide is about people’s lives. Death by suicide means
lost life, lost talent, a lost mother or father, brother or sister,
son or daughter, and a wound that does not easily heal in families
and communities. Be part of making a difference.
- Be at the centre of action to reduce suicide
- Showcase and be recognised for your own good work
- Build relationships with other organisations
- Potentially be part of new initiatives going forward
- Draw attention to the challenges and barriers experienced
- Influence other organisations to take action
Who should get involved?
The Call to Action is seeking the involvement of national
agencies and organisations, government and public services,
voluntary groups, the private sector and leading experts and
researchers. It is seeking contributions from multiple areas -
public health, mental health, justice, welfare, social services and
education.
What is being asked of national organisations?
- Identify a lead in your organisation to work
on the Call to Action – usually a policy, campaigns or external
relations role.
- Share information and views: Share information
about your organisations’ current activities and plans to reduce
suicide; and your organisations’ view of the barriers and
challenges and the top priorities for action.
- 8 September 2011 - Kick-off workshop: Shape
the Call to Action initiative and take part in an initial
discussion on the priorities for suicide prevention
- 23 September - Complete the consultation
questions online: Share your existing activities that contribute to
suicide prevention, what barriers you experience and more detail
about your priorities for action
- Talk one on one to the Call to Action team to
share your views
- 1 November - Call to Action workshop: Help
focus the Call to Action on key priorities and network with other
organisations. Help shape mechanisms to take forward action beyond
March 2012
Samaritans are not expecting all
organisations to sign up to all parts of the document; there are
different levels of commitment which may be more or less
appropriate for different organisations.
Take part
The Call to Action will enable national stakeholders across all
sectors to identify and mobilise action on priorities; in order to
support those at risk of suicide, reduce deaths by suicide and
support those affected by a suicide.
To inform the Call to Action, national stakeholders are sharing
information on their current activities, challenges experienced and
priorities for action.
Please help in the collation of information by
responding to the consultation document questions by the 23
September 2011.
Download
the Call to Action consultation document
Please email your response
to:
Maria Gallagher
Assistant to Director of Research, Development and Operations
Email: m.gallagher@samaritans.org
Please note that if you are looking
for emotional support, please contact our helpline on 08457 90 90
90 or email jo@samaritans.org.
About suicide