Suicide Prevention

Saving Lives is a programme for suicide prevention and management. The programme offers a three-stage process – SURVIVE, PREVENT, SUSTAIN – which is delivered by suicide prevention specialist counsellors and volunteers.

By providing a three-stage process of immediate crisis help, relapse prevention and long term support, the Saving Lives programme aims to help those at risk of suicide, or suicide ideation, to overcome their despair and to begin feeling positive and hopeful of a better future.

Survive

Clients are initially assessed to identify their risk of suicide. Once an assessment has been completed the team creates a bespoke treatment package for each individual.

Treatment packages can include:

• Guidance on therapeutic tools and techniques needed to manage suicide ideation.
• One to one counselling.
• Access to weekly support groups & peer support.
• Workshops dealing with mental health issues and emotional wellbeing.
• Talks by healthcare professionals.
• Phone call check-ins from a member of the team.
• Links to other local crisis services

Prevent

Clients who have coped with immediate crisis then move on to longer term support, designed to prevent a relapse back into suicide ideation.

Activities can include:

• Continued one-to-one counselling (regularity subject to an individual’s progress).
• Weekly relapse prevention group.
• Ongoing peer support.
• Optional phone call check-ins and online support.
• Links with other services depending on a client’s needs. This may include access to employment training, housing services, faith and social groups, volunteering opportunities, and improved welfare benefits.
• Crisis intervention services available as and when needed.

Sustain

At this stage clients are no longer in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, however ongoing support is still available to ensure a sustained lower risk of suicide.

Ongoing low-level support includes:

• One-to-one counselling (if necessary).
• Support from volunteers and counsellors on a wider range of issues such as finding employment and gaining training.
• Continued access to support groups
• Crisis intervention services available as and when needed.