Mental health challenges continue to place significant pressure on the NHS, with suicide prevention remaining a critical priority for policymakers, practitioners, and society. According to the Office for National Statistics, 115 people die by suicide in the UK every week, highlighting the urgency of coordinated action to address this crisis.

The complex causes and devastating consequences of suicide demand a multifaceted, collaborative response. From eradicating harmful online content to tackling emerging suicide methods, early intervention and effective support systems are paramount.

In 2023, the government unveiled a five-year strategy aimed at reducing suicide rates, enhancing support for self-harm survivors, and providing better assistance to those bereaved by suicide. As national priorities evolve under the new Labour government, mental health is being positioned on equal footing with physical health. With plans to recruit 8,500 additional mental health staff, alongside proposed reforms outlined in the 2024 King's Speech, including a new Mental Health Bill, this government aims to reverse the rising trend of lives lost to suicide.

Building on the success of previous events, the Fifth National Suicide Prevention Conference 2025 is coming to Greater Manchester to showcase the power of multi-sector partnerships in addressing risk factors such as self-harm, financial difficulties, and relationship challenges, which often intersect with suicide risk.

Join the Institute of Government and Public Policy at the National Suicide Prevention Conference 2025, which will delve into key themes of collaboration, early intervention, and addressing the root causes of suicide.