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Quick guidance on suicide prevention for social care practitioners

Suicide Prevention

Unfortunately, part of the work carried out by adult social care and mental health services may include supporting people who may consider suicide or have suicidal thoughts.  Suicide is often linked to (but not always) serious mental health issues and depression is the most commonly associated with suicide.  However, suicide is also preventable by encouraging people to talk about their feelings.  In this section you will find information on the different ways you can support a person who may be contemplating suicide.

You may wish to discuss the impact that supporting someone who has committed suicide has had on you, with your manager.  If this is not suitable you can access extra confidential support through the Employee Assistance Programme.

Below is a list of helpful resources regarding suicide:

Camden Crisis Sanctuarya free service open to people aged 18+ years of age who live in Camden or have visited mental health services in the borough. 
Camden Crisis Sanctuary is open from 5-11pm, Monday – Sunday, 365 days a year. Last admission for walk-ins is 10:30pm. The service is open over Christmas for those in need of crisis support.

Camden Council Corporate Suicide Prevention Action Plan -This action plan is part of a strategy to reduce the risk of a workplace suicide. The term ‘workplace suicide’ is understood to be a suicide in or outside the workplace, which may involve an employee or contractor, a family member or close friend of an employee or contractor. It may also concern a Camden resident we are supporting as well as a key supplier or partner.

iCope Camden and Islington website contains useful information about service options and the range of help that is available if someone is experiencing a mental health crisis. 

Hub of Hope - The Hub of Hope is the country's first nationwide mental health database, which brings help and support together in one place. The app will help people to find much needed support using their phone's location to find key services and organisations.

SOBS, Survivors of bereavement by suicide – Work to meet the needs and overcome the isolation experienced by people over 18 who have been bereaved by suicide.

Papyrus - Provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person.

Camden Care Choices offers information regarding additional support services within Camden including support provided by the London Irish Centre. 

Suicide Bereavement UK Website – Suicide Bereavement UK is a website designed to support various audiences, including those who have been affected by suicide and need to identify the right support and key resources, it also provides training and bespoke crisis consultation for employers.

Samaritans Freephone 116 123 – This service provides 24-hour confidential emotional support. 

Stay Alive App – The Stay Alive app is suicide prevention app full of useful information to help someone stay safe, it can be used if a person is feeling suicidal or if there are concerns about someone who may be considering suicide.

Last updated: 22 September 2021