Case studies

Case studies with examples of local suicide prevention work, from police and NHS initiatives, fire and rescue services to local authority mental health teams and Citizens Advice.

1. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service – Tackling social isolation

2. South Liverpool Citizens Advice – Advice on Prescription, a practical service for vulnerable people in touch with health services

3. West Midlands Police – Adopt a Block, integrating suicide prevention in the West Midlands

4. Thames Valley – Real-time suicide surveillance systems: a resource pack

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service – Adopt a Block

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service recognised that they were uniquely positioned to identify and engage with high-risk individuals during safety inspections. These crews initiate conversations about help-seeking, as well as supporting the dissemination of Crisis Cards and become a familiar, trusted and approachable presence that can broach other wellbeing and public health topics.

Case study tackling social isolation

South Liverpool Citizens Advice – Advice on Prescription

South Liverpool Citizens Advice provide a social treatment option where GP’s and primary care teams can refer vulnerable people for practical support and advice on a range of issues such as finance, housing, employment and relationship breakdown.

Case study a practical service for vulnerable people in touch with health services

West Midlands Combined Authority – Integrating suicide prevention beyond health

Policing and health services have come together to provide street triage and liaison and diversion from custody services, changing how mental health is thought about and providing an integrated pathway, ensuring vulnerable people in contact with police see mental health nurses.

Case study integrating suicide prevention in the West Midlands

Thames Valley Real-Time Suicide Surveillance System Resource Pack

Thames Valley’s Real-Time Suicide Surveillance System Resource Pack shares good practice in enabling local police, coroners and suicide prevention leads to react more quickly to potential deaths by suicide, including providing bereavement support.

Real-time suicide surveillance systems a resource pack