Following an appeal by the NASUWT for increased support in suicide prevention, a thorough report has been dispatched to over 4000 governmental and private secondary schools across the UK, detailing essential modifications required in school policies concerning suicide prevention.
Issued by The National Centre for Suicide Prevention Education and Training CIC (NCSPET), the report provides crucial guidelines on preventative measures against suicide in educational settings and the recommended actions in the event of an occurrence.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide emerges as the second leading cause of mortality among the youth, with the Samaritans revealing that close to 200 young people in the UK ended their lives by suicide last year.
The complexity of suicidal thoughts, which often cannot be traced back to a single factor, is outlined in the report. The absence of sufficient support, experiences of solitude and exclusion, and the prevailing stigma surrounding the discussion of suicide are identified as potential contributors to these tragic outcomes.
Fiona Aldred, Chief Executive of NCSPET, remarks:
“It’s not surprising that most schools often think about suicide prevention in response to a significant event. Despite school being where our young people spend a significant amount of their time, it’s clear that there is still difficulty for staff and pupils around addressing suicide in a confident way.
“Through our Schools Approach Report, we are encouraging schools to have a proactive approach to suicide prevention, helping them to create an environment of openness, with reduced stigma, supporting people to seek the help they need, when they need it.
“This report has been developed with these needs in mind, to make sure that schools incorporate suicide prevention into their mental health and wellbeing policy, as well as exploring how a collaboration between students, staff, parents and the wider community can help set up an effective protocol.
“I’m extremely proud of the report, and hope to see this reach all schools and youth-based organisations in the UK. Suicide prevention in schools isn’t just about saving lives; it’s about nurturing hope, resilience, and a culture of support where every student feels valued and empowered to seek help when needed.”
Developed by specialists in suicide prevention and educational practices, the Schools Approach report was refined with input from educators and sector professionals to address the prevailing challenges in educational settings effectively.
Ian Tomlinson, Training and Development Manager at Shine Lincolnshire and Associate Tutor at NCSPET, who also delivers suicide prevention training to youth-focused professionals, shares:
“Working with and delivering Suicide First Aid training to the wider group of professionals that support the young people of our county has highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to suicide prevention. Professionals are at capacity and beyond to meet the demand for support.
“Everyone feels there is a need to educate young people, parents/guardians and carers and to facilitate addressing the stigma associated with mental ill health and also suicide. Having a whole school policy is the foundation that supports school practice.
“It will be exciting to see how this can facilitate positive conversations around mental health and lead to earlier health intervention. A conversation can save a life”
For the Schools Approach Report, visit: https://suicidefirstaid.uk/schools-approach-report/
