Here are some useful guidance and information documents which provide useful information on suicide prevention:

Help is at hand

The purpose of this booklet is to provide practical guidance and emotional support following a possible death by suicide.

It sets out the range of feelings and reactions that may be experienced following an unexpected death and offers advice on how to cope in the immediate aftermath of a bereavement and in the weeks, months and years following.

It examines the issues that may arise specific to a person’s relationship to the person who has died, and also provides guidance on how to support someone who has been bereaved.

The booklet also includes information on the official procedures following a death by suicide, outlines practical matters that may need dealt with afterwards, and highlights other local sources of information and support.

Protect Life 2 Strategy

Protect Life 2 2019-24 is a long-term strategy for reducing suicides and the incidence of self-harm with action delivered across a range of Government departments, agencies, and sectors.

It recognises that no single organisation or service is able to influence all the complex interacting factors that lead someone to harming themselves or, ultimately, to taking their own life.

Memorial Advice for Communities Groups

This guidance is for families bereaved by suspected suicide who, while remembering their loved one, would like advice on reducing the impact of memorials on other vulnerable people in their community.

It was developed by experts in the field of mental health and suicide prevention, those with lived experience of being bereaved by suicide and is based on worldwide evidence and research aimed at reducing the risk of further suicidal behaviour.

Guide to speaking publicly on suicide

These publications provide advice for people who have been asked to speak in public about their personal experiences of self-harm, suicide or other mental health issues, and the organisations that may be supporting them.

The Guide to speaking publicly is aimed at individuals considering an invitation to speak. It aims to help them think through whether the time is right for them to share their experience and, if they choose to do so, it provides them with some useful tips on how to proceed. (Sue attach, as wasn’t sent before)

The Guidance notes for organisations offers advice on how organisations can support someone in sharing their lived experience of self-harm, suicide or other mental health issues in a way that protects the well-being of both the speaker and the audience.

Concerned about Suicide

Department of Health leaflet which has helpful information for anyone concerned about suicide.

Evaluation of the SD1 and CRP processes in Northern Ireland as a response to suspected suicide

The process to report and react to suspected suicide involves the completion of a ‘Sudden Death’ form (SD1 form). The SD1 form triggers support for anyone bereaved by suicide and is used to determine whether a Community Response Plan (CRP) is activated to provide a greater level of support into communities.The SD1 and CRP processes have been subjected to ongoing evaluation.

Samaritans Media Guidelines

Guidance for journalists which promotes sensitive and appropriate reporting of suicide.

Personal and Public Involvement Strategy

A shortened version of the Valuing People, Valuing Their Participation, a Strategy for Personal and Public Involvement.