Suicide Prevention
Supporting Suicide Prevention Through Early Conversation, Awareness and Action
About the Project
The Suicide Prevention Project supports schools and colleges to promote mental wellbeing. It reduces stigma, encourages safe conversations. It also strengthens whole-setting approaches to prevention and early intervention. In addition to this, it helps settings meet their safeguarding and statutory RSHE responsibilities. This is achieved by supporting students' mental health, wellbeing and resilience.
This bulletin provides information and resources to support schools and colleges in promoting mental welbeing. It aids in encouraging help-seeking, and strengthening suicide prevention activity within educational settings.
PSHE Association Resources
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Resource |
Key Stage |
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1-2 |
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3-4 |
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1-5 |
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1-2 |
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1-4 |
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1-4 |
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1-5 |
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1-4 |
Conversation Starter Video Series
Young people have co-produced a series of conversation starter videos. These can be used within PSHE, tutor time and wellbeing activities. Schools and colleges are encouraged to review the videos prior to use and ensure that appropriate pastoral and safeguarding support is available during and following delivery/
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Theme |
Link |
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Bullying |
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Digital Harms and Mental Health |
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Loss and Bereavement |
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Managing Change |
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Taking Care of Ourselves |
Staff Training and Professional Development
Staff training plays a vital role in a whole-setting approach to mental health and suicide prevention. Building awareness and confidence across the workforce can help ensure concerns are identified early and appropriate support is provided. The MHEW in Education team can support schools and colleges to access relevant training and resources, including those highlighted below.
- Staff Reflection Book [599.3 KB] [pdf]
- Supporting Safe Conversations Trainers Slides [4.5 MB] [pdf]
- Training Manual [1,018.8 KB] [pdf]
- Facilitators Guide [1.0 MB] [pdf]
Additional Resources
The MHEW Service offers funded support to schools and colleges across East Sussex to help improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people. Support includes staff training, consultation, WSCA development, mental health audits, resource sharing, and advice on embedding effective wellbeing practice within educational settings.
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Resource |
Summary |
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PSHE Association: Handling Complex Issues and Creating a Safe Learning Environment |
Practical guidance to help staff teach sensitive topics safely and confidently while maintaining a supportive learning environment. |
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PSHE Association: Teaching about Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing |
DfE-funded guidance to support the planning and delivery of effective mental health and emotional wellbeing education. |
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Department of Health and Social Care: Better Health School Zone |
Free classroom resources, lesson materials and activities to promote positive mental wellbeing among children and young people. |
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Anna Freud – Mental Health Resources for Schools and Colleges |
Free evidence-based resources, toolkits and guidance to support whole-school mental health and wellbeing. |
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Free online learning and mental health resources for education professionals, including suicide and self-harm prevention training. |
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A practical tool to help young people identify coping strategies, sources of support and actions to stay safe during a crisis. |
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Information and guidance for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or supporting someone who is struggling. |
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Guidance to support a whole-school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing. |
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An interactive tool to build confidence in having supportive conversations with someone who may be struggling. |
For more information, contact lucy.hill@eastsussex.gov.uk (Service Manager, Mental Health in Education).