Help when we needed it most: how to prepare for and respond to a suspected suicide

A step-by-step guide for schools and colleges to preparing for and responding to an attempted or suspected suicide.

This resource belongs to the resource hub for classroom and wellbeing support.

This resource offers practical support and advice for schools and colleges that have been affected by an attempted or suspected suicide. It aims to support staff to help rebuild the wellbeing of the school community and reduce the risk of further suicide.

The guide outlines a whole-school or college approach to addressing suicide, and includes information on designing policies and procedures.

It also covers practical considerations such as media coverage, breaking the news within your setting, and memorials.

The guide also includes advice on supporting staff wellbeing, as well as signposting to further support.

Using this resource

This resource is designed for: 

  • use by staff in primary, secondary and FE settings
  • use by senior staff and leaders

This resource belongs to the resource hub for classroom and wellbeing support.

Related resources

Suicide, suicidal feelings and working in schools

Suicide, suicidal feelings and working in schools

A guide for school and college staff to support themselves and others affected by suicide.

View resource
Engaging students with wellbeing survey findings

Engaging students with wellbeing survey findings

If you run wellbeing surveys in your school, this resource will help you engage your students with...

View resource
No Harm Done: a guide for professionals on self-harm

No Harm Done: a guide for professionals on self-harm

A guide and short film to support school and college staff respond to self-harm in children and...

View resource
Improving mental health and wellbeing in colleges practice examples
Primary

Improving mental health and wellbeing in colleges practice examples

These two practice examples from further education settings explain how they successfully improved...

View resource

A member of our team will review your feedback.

Please try again later.

Suggested results

No search results found