Suicide prevention and postvention

The Police Workforce Suicide Prevention Delivery Group (PWSPDG) has responsibility and authority within the remit set by the clinical governance group to:

  • Develop understanding of workforce suicide in policing and develop prevention opportunities, in-line with wider existing government and health guidance, and the NPCC Suicide Prevention Steering Group (NPCC SPSG) workforce
  • Develop the strategic response to police workforce suicide prevention and postvention through a national action plan
  • Provide a forum to exchange good practice, initiatives and approaches
  • Drive the agreement made under the Suicide Prevention Consensus statement and the follow-up recommendations in the ‘Next Steps’ document
  • Assist with embedding the suicide postvention toolkit

National suicide action plan

The national suicide action plan recognises that suicide in policing is an issue that deserves attention, and that more needs to be done to support police forces in reducing suicides.

The plan is endorsed by NPCC, Police Federation, Police Superintendents Association and Unison.

You can read more and access the plan using the button below

National suicide action plan

Suicide prevention consensus statement

The consensus, agreed at a national level acknowledges the progress that has been made to reduce mental health stigma whilst recognising that, as part of our wider commitment to improving the mental health of our people, we must all work together to do more on this important issue.

Suicide prevention consensus statement

Suicide postvention toolkit

This toolkit, developed with the UK's leading suicide prevention charity, Samaritans, aims to help police forces to support staff after the loss of a colleague to suicide. It may also be adapted to support staff who lose a family member or close friend outside the force to suicide.

Suicide postvention toolkit

Bereavement counselling

If a serving officer or member of staff should tragically die in the execution of their duties or by suicide – we provide access to a counselling service which is available to the officer or staff members’ family and their immediate colleagues.

Bereavement counselling

Staying safe from suicide guidance

The death of any member of the policing family is a tragedy, and its effects are felt far beyond those closest to the person — across teams, friendships and the wider service. We have published new guidance to help forces do everything they can to support their people and reduce the risk of suicide.

Coming soon

Mental Health Crisis Line

Policing is a unique and rewarding career, but sometimes very challenging. It’s a profession associated with high levels of stress, fatigue and trauma exposure. 

This can take its toll on your mental health.

But things can get really tough for lots of different reasons – it’s not always about the job. Our officers and staff deserve to have access to reliable mental health support when they’re in crisis – no matter the cause.

The 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line is an independent and confidential service for anyone working in policing experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts.

If you’re in crisis, and need help now, call 0300 131 2789

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