The NHS has launched a new suicide prevention training programme aimed at all mental health staff, as part of the plan to improve care for individuals in crisis
The training will be available from 10 September 2025 and shows the UK‘s plan to move towards a more compassionate and personalised mental health support across the country.
The new e-learning module focuses on recognising the signs of suicidal thoughts and providing effective, practical support to individuals in distress. Rather than relying just on risk prediction models, the training adopts a holistic, person-centred approach, shaped by both clinical evidence and the lived experiences of those affected by suicide.
Accessible to all mental health staff
The training is designed for a wide audience, not just NHS professionals, but also includes those working in voluntary, charity, and private sector roles. This inclusive approach ensures that anyone working with people experiencing mental health challenges is equipped to respond effectively and sensitively to individuals at risk of suicide.
It supports staff in various roles and settings, including hospitals, community services, and crisis response teams. By grounding the course in the latest national guidance and NICE 2022 recommendations, the programme aims to raise the standard of care and improve consistency across services.
Backed by national strategy and real-life experience
The new training is part of the Government’s five-year Cross-Sector National Suicide Prevention Strategy. It reflects a national commitment to reduce suicide rates through early intervention, increased awareness, and improved access to support services.
This shift in approach has been driven in part by the experiences of families who have lost loved ones to suicide. Their stories have highlighted the limitations of traditional risk assessment methods and helped inform more empathetic, flexible care models.
NHS mental health improvements
The training forms one part of a wider set of measures being introduced by NHS England to improve mental health support and accessibility across the country. In recent years, the NHS has introduced 24/7 mental health crisis support through NHS 111, providing immediate assistance to those in urgent need of help.
Six 24/7 neighbourhood mental health centres are also being opened to support people living with severe mental illness. These centres aim to offer a more localised and continuous care model, reducing the need for hospitalisation and providing support closer to home.
Encouraging people to get help
Alongside the rollout of this training, NHS leaders are continuing to urge anyone struggling with their mental health to seek support. Individuals can now self-refer to talking therapies, contact their local GP, or access immediate assistance through NHS 111.
There is a strong emphasis on ensuring that no one feels alone when facing mental health challenges. The message is clear: support is available, and help can make a life-saving difference.
This latest development marks a positive shift in how the NHS approaches suicide prevention. By prioritising compassionate, person-centred care and ensuring staff have the tools they need to respond effectively, the NHS is taking proactive steps to reduce suicide rates and improve outcomes for people in crisis.
The hope is that with better training, more awareness, and improved access to support, more lives can be saved.
