1 December 2022

“In CNWL, our ambition is to talk about suicide, connect with those who need support to see that suicide is not the only the option, and help people who are struggling to find light in the darkness.”

Over 250 staff members, service users and partners joined us to launch CNWL’s Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy.

Suicide is complex but often preventable; this strategy outlines our commitment and sets out the actions we are taking to prevent suicide in the people that we care for. It is based on national guidance and current research, incorporating service user and carers contributions so that the voice of those with lived experience is heard.

We know that the impact of suicide is devastating for families, communities and for those who were involved in delivering someone’s care; it has long lasting effects on those left behind.

As a large provider of a range of mental health services as well as Health and Justice, Addictions, Sexual Health and Community Health; recognising and supporting those who are in mental health distress and vulnerable to suicide is a key priority for us all.

Professor Louis Appleby, the Director for the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health, and Lead for the National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England, talked about the current national picture and shared recommendations known to prevent suicide and make a difference to people’s lives. 

“What brings suicide rates down and what protects people who are already vulnerable is community. Supporting each other, enabling us and going the extra mile to strengthen mutual support. The sense of community is vital.”

Chief Executive, Claire Murdoch also joined us, thanking the colleagues with lived experience who have contributed to our work. She spoke about how important it is to give staff and colleagues, local communities, service users and their families, tools and techniques to protect themselves and promote safety in London.

“Every week in London there are 12 deaths by suicide. 12 catastrophic events and we have to do more. We know that Covid has taken its toll on people’s mental health, and we also know from history that periods of economic decline and recession can lead to an increase in suicide rates.

There’s never been a more important time to launch our strategy, to work with our partners, schools, local authorities, with industry, and with individuals to ensure we are engaging as fully as we can - building resilience and protective factors, greater assessments of risk but also safety plans.”

Chief Nurse and Executive Lead for our Suicide Prevention work, Maria O’Brien, said: “Today we are not only thinking about preventing suicide for those that we care for but also those who are potentially close to us in our personal lives.”

Let’s get talking….

We had a range of speakers, including an expert by experience, who shared her inspiring story of resilience. 

We also heard from Melanie Ball, Head of our Lived Experience Workforce, who outlined the Stamp out Stigma campaign, one step CNWL is taking in creating a culture where staff can have open conversations about their mental health. Read more here.

Charlie Bethal spoke about the Men’s Sheds Association, community spaces for men to connect and create: “soft play for men”. Sheds will do a variety of things, making planters, Christmas gifts, bookcases, birdhouses and sometimes raise money.

“It’s the task setting that we find has a massive impact on men’s mental health. It gives people a sense of purpose, or sense of purpose to help somebody in their family or community," he said.