Suicide prevention
We know that not everyone feels comfortable talking about suicide, yet this can lead to some misunderstanding about what suicide is. We want this strategy to reflect that:
- suicide can happen to anyone
- suicide is not inevitable
- suicide is not just about mental illness
- suicide prevention is everyone’s business
- suicide and self-harm are real issues and should always be taken seriously
- suicide affects more than the individual
Our 8 suicide prevention priorities
- Improving data and evidence
- Providing support to people who self-harm
- Tailored, targeted support to priority groups
- Increasing training and skills
- Providing effective crisis support
- Refusing access to means and methods of suicide
- Providing effective bereavement support
- Making suicide everyone's business
You can find more information about these priorities in our strategy:
- Creating a Mentally Healthy City strategy - full report
- Creating a Mentally Healthy City strategy - one page summary
- Creating a Mentally Healthy City strategy - animated video
How do we know we are making a difference?
Suicide Prevention Action Plan
Our Suicide Prevention Action Plan (SPAP) 2025 to 2031 captures activity within Birmingham against our suicide prevention priorities.
The SPAP reports into the Suicide Prevention Advisory Group (SPAG), which reports into the Creating a Mentally Healthy City Forum.
Download the Suicide Prevention Action Plan
Case studies
We want to hear your stories.
Send us case studies of work that helps raise awareness of suicide, challenging stigmas or preventing suicides. Email them to us at suicideprevention@birmingham.gov.uk.
Suicide prevention campaigns
Mental health and wellbeing and suicide prevention, and awareness campaigns are important to us.
They raise awareness of these topics, break down stigma and promote resources and services. They remind us that nobody should face mental health struggles and be in crisis alone.
Our ambition is to make suicide prevention Birmingham's business.
We will be promoting suicide-safe organisations, reducing stigma around suicide, and raising awareness of where to get help.
We are currently planning a campaign throughout 2025. There will be a targeted Birmingham-wide suicide prevention campaign week in September. This will be delivered with a wide range of partners.
Current opportunities
We work with communities, people with lived experience, and key stakeholders to support suicide prevention across Birmingham.
Funding is available to support suicide prevention work in wards with higher rates of suicide.
Download the suicide prevention grant funding form
Get support
Visit our mental health and wellbeing web pages for dedicated resources, information and links to access support.
Page last updated: 27 February 2026
