Information for professionals

Professionals across health, social care, education, emergency services, community and voluntary organisations all have a role to play in suicide prevention. This section brings together local guidance, training and resources to help all professionals build confidence, develop skills and support people who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours.

Staying safe from suicide guidance and training

The staying safe from suicide guidance has been developed to support practitioners in having compassionate conversations about suicide, understanding risk and protective factors, and helping individuals develop meaningful safety plans.

The accompanying training offers practical advice and skills to help practitioners recognise warning signs, respond confidently to concerns about suicide, and connect people with appropriate support.

Creating a safety plan together – everyone’s business

Developing a suicide safety plan can be an important part of supporting someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Creating a safety plan is not solely the responsibility of specialist mental health services; all practitioners who work with individuals at risk of suicide have a role to play in supporting safety planning conversations, and ensuring that people know where they can access help.

Suicide prevention training

The Suicide Prevention Training Matrix is a practical resource that brings together the suicide prevention, suicide bereavement and self-harm training opportunities available across Shropshire. Training is organised by role and experience level, helping everyone—from members of the public and community volunteers to specialist mental health and emergency service professionals—identify the learning most relevant to them.

The matrix aims to build knowledge, skills and confidence across the workforce and wider community, supporting a more informed, compassionate and responsive approach to suicide prevention.

Primary care resources

Primary care professionals are often among the first people to identify and support someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm. GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists and wider primary care teams play a vital role in recognising risk, having compassionate conversations, supporting safety planning, and connecting people with appropriate services and support.

The resources below have been developed to support primary care professionals in suicide prevention, providing practical guidance, tools and information to help build confidence and support best practice.

Other local information and resources for professionals

A range of local webpages and resources are available to support professionals working with individuals affected by suicidal thoughts, self-harm, mental health challenges, or bereavement by suicide. The links below provide additional information on local services, support pathways, guidance, and resources that may be useful in your role...