Suicide prevention

Need urgent help?

If somebody is imminently about to harm themselves and/or others: call 999 for the Police.

If someone is at imminent risk of suicide, and their location is not known: call 999 for the Police.

If somebody has already harmed themselves: call 999 for an Ambulance.

If you can and it is safe to do so, stay with them until somebody arrives.

If you need help now:

Call 111 and select the mental health option.

Samaritans - call 116 123

Shout - text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258

Childline- call 0800 1111

If you, or someone is at risk right now call 999

One Devon Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031

Our vision

Every suicide is a tragedy. Our vision is that all suicides should be considered preventable and that suicide prevention is everyone's business.

The strategy sets out how organisations across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay will work together to reduce suicide, improve support for people who self-harm, and provide help for those affected by suicide.

Why this matters

Suicide has a devastating impact on individuals, families, friends, workplaces and communities. Preventing suicide requires action from health services, local authorities, schools, employers, voluntary organisations and local communities.

Suicide prevention is not just about crisis support. It includes improving wellbeing, reducing risk factors, supporting people earlier, and ensuring people can access help when they need it.

Our approach

The strategy is based on a whole-system approach and is guided by five principles:

Working together across organisations and communities
Listening to people with lived experience
Promoting equity and inclusion
Using evidence and data to inform action
Delivering local solutions within a shared Devon-wide framework

Key priorities

Improve data and understanding

We will use local and national data to better understand suicide, identify emerging trends, and target support where it is needed most.

Support people at higher risk

We will focus on groups identified as being at increased risk of suicide, including:

Children and young people
Middle-aged men
People who self-harm
People in contact with mental health services
People involved with the criminal justice system
Neurodivergent people
Pregnant women and new parents

Address factors linked to suicide risk

We will strengthen support for people affected by factors known to increase suicide risk, including:

Physical illness and chronic pain
Financial difficulties and unemployment
Gambling harm
Alcohol and drug use
Loneliness and social isolation
Domestic abuse

Promote online safety

We will encourage responsible communication about suicide, improve awareness of online harms, and support safer online environments.

Improve crisis support

We will work to ensure people experiencing a mental health crisis can access timely, effective support and are signposted to the right services.

Reduce access to means of suicide

We will work with partners to identify and reduce risks in locations and settings associated with suicide and improve responses to emerging risks.

Support people bereaved by suicide

We will ensure timely and compassionate support is available for families, friends, colleagues and communities affected by suicide.

Make suicide prevention everybody's business

We will continue to raise awareness, challenge stigma, provide training opportunities and help people feel more confident supporting themselves and others.

What success looks like

By 2031 we aim to:

Reduce deaths by suicide across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
Improve support for people who self-harm
Increase awareness of suicide prevention and mental wellbeing
Improve access to crisis support and bereavement services
Strengthen partnership working across the system
Create more supportive communities where people feel able to seek help early