Suicide Prevention & Bereavement

Sadly, one person dies by suicide every week in Suffolk.

It could take just one question to save a life.

by Ezra Hewing | 30 Apr 2026

How can we prevent suicide?

Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death across generations. This is a tragedy for those affected by thoughts of suicide and for those bereaved by suicide.

Despite many having had contact with health and support services in the months leading up to their death, men make up 75 percent of suicides.

Suffolk Mind thinks that reducing suicide will need a community which reduce isolation and check on people when we know they are struggling.

Please watch and share our short film to help build communities brave enough to ask the questions which can save lives.

What do I do if I’m worried someone is at risk of suicide?

If you or someone you know is affected by thoughts of suicide call:

Samaritans on 116 123

NHS 111 and follow the options

Other things you can do if you are worried about someone’s mental health:

Ask them if they are having thoughts of suicide. If they say ‘yes’, then ask if they have a plan.

If someone is in immediate danger, stay with them and call 999.

If someone is not in immediate danger but needs support, encourage them to seek support:

Mental health services like counselling or Suffolk Night Owls: Suffolk Mind 0300 111 6000
Samaritans 116 123
Book an appointment with their GP
Text ‘SHOUT‘ to 85258
For more organisations to contact, visit our Help Directory here

How can I get support if I have suicidal thoughts?

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call:

Samaritans on 116 123

NHS 111 and follow the options

Call 999 in an emergency

How can I get support when someone dies by suicide?

If you have been bereaved by suicide and live in the Suffolk or North-East Essex area, refer to our Bereaved by Suicide service here https://mnessexmind.org/bereavedbysuicide/

How can I learn more about suicide prevention?

If you want to make sure your team have the skills to prevent suicide, book our training by emailing workplacewellbeing@suffolkmind.org.uk

How can I learn more about understanding suicide and self harm?

Our Understadning suicide and self harm web page has videos on each topic, to help you learn a bit more. Visit the page here.

by Ezra Hewing

Ezra is Head of Education at Suffolk Mind. Ezra also creates all of the workshop and courses at The Mental Health Toolkit and regularly delivers training.

“What I love about training from this approach is seeing people make the connection between the challenges they face and the emotional needs of the people they live and work with. I’ve lost count of how many people have told us that the approach helped them make sense of challenging situations at work and at home, and to take the next step towards finding a solution which met everyone’s needs.”