Resources > Healthy Mind

Suicide prevention

Content warning: The content of this page may be emotionally challenging as it discusses suicide.

 

If you, or someone you are with, is in crisis, call Mental Health Direct on 0800 995 1000 or NHS 111 (option 2).

 

If you, or someone you are with, is in immediate danger from a mental health emergency, call 999.

 

Whatever you're going through, you can call Samaritans for free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

 

Why suicide prevention matters

A water droplet suspended above ripples on a calm, blue surface.

Every death by suicide is preventable. Suicide prevention saves lives.

 

People often die by suicide because many difficult things are happening in their lives at the same time. The loss can have a big and lasting impact on families, friends and the entire community.

The effects of a death by suicide leaves a long-lasting impact on communities, like a ripple on a pond.

 

In England, over 100 people die by suicide each week. In Havering, on average 1 resident dies by suicide every 3 weeks – this is a higher rate compared to the London average.

 

Every life lost is one too many. In Havering, our goal is to create a community where suicide is not seen as a solution—where people know where to go for help, and how to help one another.

 

Find out more about Havering’s All-Age Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2030 and explore more resources on the Havering Council website.

Be a part of the change

Break down stigma (negative attitudes) associated with suicide. Think about your own thought processes and understanding.

 

Suicide can be prevented. Some people believe that if someone wants to take their own life, nothing can stop them—but that’s not true. Often, the desire is momentary, and they will talk to someone about their feelings.

 

Asking someone if they are suicidal will not make them more likely to take their own life. Talking to them can help. It shows you care, and it gives them a chance to share how they feel. This can make a big difference.

The words we use matter

In Havering, we use the term 'died by/death by suicide' or 'lost their life to suicide'. This is because language like ‘committed suicide’ makes suicide sound like a sin or a crime. It creates a stigma which makes it harder to have open, life-saving conversations.

Make a safety plan for yourself or someone you know

Make a safety plan, a supportive tool for yourself or for a friend.

 

A safety plan includes what you would do, and who might support you, in a crisis. It can help you find hope when all feels lost.

Download the Stay Alive app

The Stay Alive app is a free phone app people who are in mental health crisis or someone supporting someone in crisis can use.

 

You can download Stay Alive on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for smartphones and tablets. The web version works like a website and you can use it on your smartphone, tablet and desktop or laptop computers.

Six smartphones showing screens from the #StayAlive mental health app, including tools like Breathing Exercises and Safety Plan.

If you want to learn more about stay alive, visit the website. 

Support for people bereaved by suicide

A bereavement by suicide is different from any other kind of bereavement;  bringing an intensity and range of emotions such as social isolation, abandonment and shock. Take a look at our bereavement support page for information about services available.

 

Take a look at our bereavement support page for information about services available.

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