National Suicide Prevention Network Partners Come Together to Drive Early Action in Suicide Prevention

Following its launch in October last year, The Royal Foundation’s National Suicide Prevention Network is already driving action to transform suicide prevention across the four nations.

Partners across the Network are progressing with their funded projects at pace, working to strengthen crisis support, prevention and postvention services. Building on this early momentum, all 20 Network partners came together this week. This marks a key milestone in strengthening collaboration and aligning around a shared vision and plan for sustained action.

Across two days, the workshop saw organisations from across the sector come together. They discussed the Network’s vision and mission for the next three years, as well as a clear plan for action to help prevent suicide and drive lasting change in the sector.

The workshop provided partners with a dedicated opportunity to share learning, reflect on their collective impact, and strengthen collaboration. There was clear commitment to transforming how suicide is understood and prevented, with a new four nations approach.

Through a series of discussions and workshops, partners explored the common threads in their work, from the importance of centering lived experience to reaching people and communities in the spaces they already occupy. They also reflected on shared challenges and barriers, recognising that through collaboration and shared learning, the Network has the potential to drive long-term systems change.

Reflecting on the workshop, Professor Ann John, Chair of the National Suicide Prevention Network said: “Bringing all 20 partners together for the first time was a seminal moment for the Network. Across the two-day workshop, it was energising to hear the ideas and depth of commitment in the room. The passion for action is clear, and I truly believe that together we have the power to drive real positive change in suicide prevention across the four nations. The National Suicide Prevention Network allows us to be far more than the sum of our parts, and we will continue to build on this momentum together.”

The Network recognise the breadth and diversity of the suicide prevention sector and partners discussed the need for inclusive practice and shared learning within the Network, to ensure that the voice of the wider sector informs and strengthens the group’s work.

During the workshop, Network partners also shared updates on the projects that have received seed funding from The Royal Foundation. These initiatives collectively form a multi-layered, innovative suicide prevention programme across the four nations, that addresses risk across diverse populations, life stages, and environments. Projects combine preventative education, targeted quality training and accessible services, including:

• In person tailored interventions for at risk groups including men from underrepresented groups, young women, LGBTQ+ people and remote communities

• Digital resources for workplaces, schools, and specific industries

• AI-driven tools to detect and identify high-risk periods and behaviours

• Initiatives focused on embedding suicide awareness into daily practice and organisational culture.

In addition, the wider Network is also strengthening crisis response and postvention support, expanding access to mobile outreach services, therapeutic drop-in centres, peer-led groups, and bereavement counselling.

Together, these projects create an ecosystem of support in combining education, early intervention, culturally tailored programmes and ongoing care, uniting prevention, awareness and compassionate response into one initiative.

Partners of the National Suicide Prevention Network include Baton of Hope , BAYO, Brave Mind, Chasing the Stigma, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), Jac Lewis Foundation, James’ Place, Mates in Mind, MindOut, Mikeysline, Molly Rose Foundation, National Suicide Prevention Alliance, PAPYRUS UK, PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland, Ripple, Suicide&Co, Support After Suicide Partnership, The Jordan Legacy and 2wish.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the Hub of Hope, the UK’s largest mental health support directory: https://hubofhope.co.uk/