Suicide prevention
We know that not everyone feels comfortable talking about suicide yet, and 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 eight 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
More information on these priorities can be found 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) captures activity within Birmingham against our suicide prevention priorities.
Our SPAP is currently being refreshed and will be updated after the public consultation of the Creating a Mentally Healthy City strategy.
The SPAP reports into the Suicide Prevention Advisory Group (SPAG) - which reports into the Creating a Mentally Healthy City Forum.
Case studies
We want to hear your stories!
Sent us case studies of work that improves mental health and wellbeing for us to share.
If you have any 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 througout 2025. There will be a targeted Birmingham-wide suicide prevention campaign week in September. This will be delivered with a wide range of partners.
Where to get support
We have dedicated resources and information, as well as links to access support
Page last updated: 28 May 2025
