BPS responds to publication of new National Suicide Prevention Strategy

The strategy includes more than 100 measures which aim to save lives, provide early intervention and support anyone going through the trauma of a crisis, including a national alert system to combat emerging methods of suicide and refreshed guidance for first responders.

It focuses on action to help specific groups at risk of suicide including children and young people, middle-aged men, autistic people, pregnant women and new mothers.

A joined-up approach to services, ensuring that no-one falls through the cracks is particularly welcome, as is the commitment to early-intervention and recognising people at risk before they reach crisis point.

Dr Roman Raczka, President-Elect of the BPS and chair of the BPS's Division of Clinical Psychology, said:

"The publication of a new National Suicide Prevention Strategy is very welcome, and it is encouraging to see the government commit to reducing the number of suicides in England.

Every suicide is a tragedy, and behind every statistic is a personal tragedy with devastated families and friends left behind.

We know that suicide is preventable if people can access the support and services they need, which is why while this strategy is very welcome, we have reservations about how it will be delivered in practice without adequate funding.

Without the funding and workforce to deliver this strategy, sadly many more people will lose their lives to preventable suicide.

We acknowledge the commitment in the NHS Long Term Workforce plan to grow the mental health workforce, but this is against a backdrop of a staff recruitment and retention crisis in the NHS, hence our concerns about delivery.

We look forward to seeing further detail on funding for these interventions and services in the November budget."