Introduction

information

In an emergency go to a Hospital A&E

Call 999 if you can’t get to A&E – The call is free. Explain what is happening to you. You can stay on the line while you wait for help to arrive.

If you or someone you know needs urgent help call Mindline: 08001381692 or call 111 and select the mental health option.

Crisis Safe Space

Instead of going to A&E, making an urgent doctor’s appointment, or suffering in silence, you can arrange a one-to-one session with a member of the Crisis Safe Space team, who will be willing to listen and be able to help you. Sessions can be held face-to-face or virtually depending on your location.

You can refer yourself or someone you are worried about by completing the booking form on Crisis Safe Space website.

You can also call Mindline Somerset to book a session on 0800 138 1692.

We can all help to prevent suicide, together we can make a difference – is the message from the Somerset Suicide Prevention Partnership Group.

The Suicide Prevention Partnership Group is a multi-agency forum of over twenty different organisations from the statutory and voluntary sector. The group leads this work locally and is responsible for the delivery of the Somerset Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan, which focuses on coordinated cross sector action to reduce suicide in Somerset.

Suicide can affect anybody and there isn’t a community in Somerset where people haven’t been touched by suicide.

Whether a hospital staff member or an owner of a local shop, we can all make a difference in reaching out and offering support to those in need. We know that if someone is having suicidal thoughts, receiving support from someone else can make a big difference.

Only a minority of people, who complete suicide, are known to mental health services.

We need to raise awareness. It’s time to talk about suicide. It’s time to say, let’s talk. We need to spread the message that talking to someone in distress won’t make the situation worse. #letskeeptalking #starttheconversation #togetherwecanmakeadifference

Support if you have been affected by suicide

Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service: Support for anyone that is bereaved by suicide, at any time during the bereavement. Visit Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service website. Phone: 03003 305463 – Open 24/7

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS): UK peer-led support to adults impacted by suicide loss. Visit Survivors of Bereavement website.

National listening helplines

Samaritans: Phone: 116 123 – Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

SHOUT: Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope.

To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout‘ to 85258. Trained Shout Volunteers are here to listen at any time of day or night and messages won’t appear on your phone bill.

Other helpful resources

Media reporting guidelines

Samaritans reporting of suicide media guidelines. Visit Samaritans’ Media Guidelines website.

Training

Suicide prevention training can be found on our Mental Health training offer page.

Online resources

Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025 - 2030

Suicide prevention and the promotion of good mental health for people of all ages is a key priority in Somerset. The local suicide rate has been above the national average for over 20 years. On average, 60 to 65 people die by suicide every year in Somerset and every death has a devastating impact on family, friends, colleagues, and entire communities.

In Somerset, there is a collaborative that works across organisations and communities to support this work. The multiagency Suicide Prevention Partnership Forum brings together partners with the shared goal of preventing suicides and our core message is that together we can make a difference to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide.

Three overarching aims have been identified to help us to deliver on the priority areas for action laid out within the national guidance.

  • Use an evidence informed approach to suicide prevention activities, built on shared data and the voice of lived experience.
  • Engage people of all ages in Somerset; including work and education settings, businesses and media outlets in suicide prevention, with the message that together we can make a difference.
  • Use a robust evaluation system to ensure services meet the needs of the Somerset population, are impactful and sustainable.

Somerset Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025 – 2030

APPENDIX 1 Somerset Suicide Prevention Strategy

EASY READ Somerset Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2030

World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed every year on the 10 of September, the theme this year is “Changing the Narrative”. The day aims to focus attention on the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness amongst organisations, government, and the public, giving the singular message that suicides are preventable.

This year’s theme seeks to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide and transforming how we perceive this complex issue. Changing the narrative requires systemic change. It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.

Public Health Somerset have developed various resources including posters and a small pocket-sized leaflet to help people to start conversations about suicide. These can be downloaded by clicking the links below:

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Walk for a Life event for World Suicide Prevention Day

Every year Public Health works with colleagues across various sectors to put on the Walk for a Life event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. The event seeks to remember those we have lost to suicide, raise awareness, and encourage and empower people in Somerset to take action to prevent suicide. This year the event is being held on Saturday 7 September at Taunton Quaker Meeting House, the walk will start at 10.30am. More information about the event is available on the event website: Walk for a Life Somerset.

Last reviewed: March 25, 2025 by Jennifer

Next review due: September 25, 2025

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