Suicide Prevention in South Yorkshire

  • South Yorkshire has been identified nationally as a region that has higher than England average rates of death by suicide and in response to this the system has established a programme of work to reduce suicide and provide postvention support services to those bereaved from, affected by, or exposed to suicide.
  • The South Yorkshire Suicide Prevention Programme was first established in 2018 and is a collaboration of over 25 organisations across the system all committed to driving down suicide rates through shared leadership, innovation and collaboration.
  • Suicide prevention is a complex system-wide challenge which requires close working between the NHS, public health, the voluntary and community sector, those with lived experience and partner organisations, tailoring evidence of what works to local need and determinants.
  • Within each of the South Yorkshire places there are local suicide prevention strategies and programmes of work that reach into communities and neighbourhoods, providing support and services to address local need and determinants. In addition to the vital place-based work the South Yorkshire Suicide Prevention Programme also work collectively on a number of areas including bereavement support, work with the media and real time surveillance of suspected suicide. 
  • All partners are committed to preventing loss of life, providing hope to our communities and supporting those who are exposed to, affected by or bereaved from suicide, to improve the life chances of current and future generations.

Suicide statistics:

2023 suicide data published by the Office for National Statistics revealed the following:

  • There were 6,069 suicides registered in England and Wales (11.4 deaths per 100,000 people) in 2023; this is an increase compared with 2022 (10.7 deaths per 100,000, or 5,642 deaths) and the highest rate seen since 1999.
  • The suicide rate for males in England and Wales increased to 17.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2023, from 16.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2022; this is the highest rate for males since 1999.
  • The suicide rate for females in England and Wales increased to 5.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2023, from 5.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2022; this is the highest rate for females since 1994.
  • The age-specific suicide rate was highest for males aged 45 to 49 years (25.5 deaths per 100,000), and for females aged 50 to 54 years (9.2 deaths per 100,000).
  • The rate in Yorkshire and the Humber was 12.3 per 100,000, an increase from 12.1 per 100,000 in 2022.
  • Data for suicides registered between 2021 and 2023 by local authority was also published. Four local authorities in Yorkshire & Humber (York, Barnsley, Sheffield and Leeds) had a reduction in the suicide rate compared to 2020-22.

Suicide rates in South Yorkshire by place compared to England & Wales:

Area

Rate per 100,000 population .

Rotherham

13.2

Barnsley

14.9

Sheffield

11.0

England & Wales

10.7

Doncaster

15.0

* Office for National Statistics (ONS), released 5 April 2023, ONS website, statistical bulletin, Quarterly suicide death registrations in England: 2001 to 2021 registrations and Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) to Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) 2022

What we can all do to support suicide prevention

We all have a role to play in preventing suicide and supporting people affected or bereaved by suicide.

Each year in September, World Suicide Prevention Day brings together over 60 countries and is focused on how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide. Suicide is preventable, it is not inevitable. The day also aims to promote stigma reduction, advocate for policy change, encourage help seeking, and honour the memories of those lost to suicide, those who have survived suicide attempts, and those who bear the weight of grief.

People who have felt suicidal have often said it is a relief to talk about thoughts they are experiencing. Just being there to listen and showing you care can help. It is normal to feel anxious about asking someone if they’re suicidal, but it could save someone's life. With this in mind we would encourage everyone in the health and social care workforce in South Yorkshire to complete the Zero Suicide Alliance training to gain skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide. It only takes 20 minutes to complete online. 

Importance of language

It is important that we encourage more open, thoughtful and supportive conversations around suicide, using appropriate terms so there is greater awareness and understanding. Using certain terms can inadvertently contribute to the stigma associated with talking about suicide and can silence people who might otherwise seek help. 

Here is some suggested language to use and avoid when talking about suicide, with explanations, taken from the Zero Suicide Alliance website:

Do say

Don't say

Why

‘Died by suicide’ or ‘took their own life’

‘Committed suicide’ or ‘commit suicide’

To avoid the association between suicide and ‘crime’ or ‘sin’ that may alienate people.

‘Took their own life’, ‘died by suicide’ or ‘ended their own life’

‘Successful suicide attempt’

Talking about suicide in terms of success is not helpful. If a person survives, this language reinforces the feeling of failure. If a person dies by suicide, it cannot ever be a success.

‘Attempted suicide’ or ‘non-fatal suicide attempt’

‘Unsuccessful suicide attempt’

As above

‘Are you thinking about taking your own life?’ or ‘are you feeling suicidal?’

‘You aren’t going to do something silly are you?’

There is still a taboo around talking about suicide which can make it even harder for people experiencing these feelings to open up and feel understood. Direct questions can help someone talk about how they are feeling.

‘Concerning rates of suicide’

‘Suicide epidemic’

To avoid sensationalism and inaccuracy

Source: Zero Suicide Alliance

Further guidance about language:

Support services

  • Vivup 24/7 South Yorkshire mental health hub – provides confidential 24/7 in the moment support and counselling sessions for personal and work-related issues. Self-help resources are also available on the website. Call: 0330 380 0658.
  • NHS 111 – offers 24/7 crisis mental health support for both individuals and those concerned about a loved one. NHS staff can advise callers on next steps such as arranging face to face community support or access to crisis cafes or safe havens which provide a place to stay as an alternative to A&E or a hospital admission.
  • Shout – a confidential and free text messaging service that is available 24/7 for anyone who is feeling low, anxious, worried, lonely, overwhelmed, suicidal or not quite themselves. To start a conversation text ‘Shout’ to 85258. You will then be connected to a Shout volunteer who will listen via text without judgement and can provide you with further resources or tools to help you get more expert support.
  • Samaritans – If you need someone to talk to, you can contact Samaritans for anytime on 116 123. If writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better, you can also write an email and send to jo@samaritans.org and you will receive a reply within 24 hours.
  • Mind is a mental health charity which provides a national information phone line, legal line and lots of information on their website. Local Mind services offer a range of services which vary by location but may include talking therapy, crisis helplines, advocacy and counselling groups​​​​​​

  • Papyrus has a confidential 24/7 hopeline providing support and practical advice available for those under the age of 35 who are having thoughts of suicide or for those who are concerned for a young person. The hopeline can accessed by calling 0800 068 4141 or texting 88247.

Local place websites:
Amparo:

Amparo offers support for anyone affected by suicide in South Yorkshire. You can call on 0330 088 9255.

Amparo’s local Liaison Workers aim to make initial contact within 24 hours of a referral being made.

To find out more about Amparo, or to make a referral, visit this page.

If you’re a professional and want to learn more about the Amparo service and the support they offer, book onto a free briefing session here.

Amparo South Yorkshire is a free and confidential service commissioned by Local Authority, Public Health and NHS services in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS):

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide is a charity that offers support to adults bereaved by suicide, focusing on peer support. On their website, you can find details of local or virtual groups, phone or email support, an online forum and news and events.

Alternatives to Crisis Services:

Mental Health Matters deliver Safe Spaces/Support Hubs in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley. The Support Hubs offer free mental health support in a welcoming, comfortable, non-judgmental, and non-clinical environment. The experienced staff team is available to provide emotional, social and practical support if you are in crisis or feel you are heading toward a crisis situation.

Sheffield Support Hub

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 6pm - midnight, Saturday and Sunday, 2pm - midnight
Address: MHM Building, 44 Bank Street, Sheffield, S1 2DS
Who can access this service: Anyone 16+ can access this service

Get in touch: 07890 987 384 | sheffieldsupporthub.mhm@nhs.net

Website: Sheffield Support Hub

It is a walk-in service with no need to be referred. You can also telephone the Support Hub for an appointment in advance if you prefer. They also offer virtual support via telephone and video call.

Rotherham Support Hub

Phone: 0800 246 5059
Email: rotherhamsafespace.mhm@nhs.net
Opening hours: Thursday-Monday, 6pm-midnight
Address: Milton House, 77 Sheffield Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 1DA

Who can access this service: Anyone 18+ can access this service

Website: Rotherham Safe Space

Support can be provided face-to-face, phone, email or video call.

Barnsley Support Hub

Phone: 07855 971 634
Email: barnsleysupporthub.mhm@nhs.net
Opening hours: Thursday-Monday, 6pm-11pm
Address: 10A Eldon Street, Barnsley, S70 2JB

Who can access this service: Anyone 18+ can access this service.

Website: Barnsley Support Hub

This is a walk-in service - there's no need to be referred. Virtual support via telephone and video call is also offered.

Doncaster Safe Space

Telephone: 01302 618507

Email: hello@peoplefocused.org.uk

Address: PFG Doncaster, Wellness Centre, 45 Montrose Avenue, Intake, Doncaster, DN2 6PL

Website: PFG Doncaster (peoplefocused.org.uk)

Opening hours: 7 days a week from 2pm - 2am for 365 days a year

Safe Space addresses mental health crisis in our own community, supported by people with lived experience. A safe, homely environment is offered and access to support that is needed at that time. Safe space is a place to be heard, make long term plans, face to face appointments, support telephone calls and somewhere to take a step back from the crisis and have time to think clearly.

Useful resources

Useful guidance about suicide prevention & postvention aimed at line managers, leaders, HR teams and Health, Safety & Wellbeing teams:

Training courses

We all have a role to play in preventing suicide and supporting people affected or bereaved by suicide. Consider completing one of the training courses below.

Zero Suicide Alliance training:

Complete the 20-minute suicide awareness training to gain skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide - click here.

Autism and suicide awareness Zero Suicide Alliance training:

Zero Suicide Alliance also have a specific module for people who are either part of the autistic community aged over 16 or work with autistic people. It takes up to one hour to complete. Click here

Training by place:

Barnsley: Papyrus.png

Free suicide prevention training delivered by Papyrus is available for those working or living in Barnsley.   

The aim of the training is to provide suicide prevention knowledge and skills to the workforce and equip them with the skills and knowledge to have supportive conversations around suicide prevention. The aim is to encourage everyone to work together to support the communities of Barnsley and each other, to prevent loss of life to suicide. 

There are 3 courses available and the details of the courses and dates can be found in the Papyrus website here.  

Doncaster:

Promotes the Zero Suicide Alliance training listed above - click here.

Rotherham:

Contact Ruth Fletcher-Brown, Public Health Specialist (Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Loneliness), Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council for details about suicide prevention courses in Rotherham. Email: ruth.fletcher-brown@rotherham.gov.uk / Tel:  01709 255867     

Sheffield: Contact Joanna Rutter, Health Improvement Principal, Director of Public Health’s Office, Sheffield City Council for details about suicide prevention courses in Sheffield. Email: joanna.rutter@sheffield.gov.uk / Tel:  07917 594544     

Training for clinical staff:

  • City & Guilds Level 4: Understanding suicide interventions – More Information