A suicide prevention strategy for Jersey

About the Suicide Prevention Strategy

The Suicide Prevention Strategy aims to prevent and reduce suicide in Jersey, with the ultimate goal to eliminate suicide. 

The strategy provides a clear, compassionate and comprehensive approach to:

• saving lives
• supporting those affected by suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Our approach is built on:

• prevention
• early intervention
• provision of accessible mental health services

We aim to create a society where mental health is treated with the same urgency as physical health. To do this we’re focusing on:

• improving public awareness
• reducing stigma
• ensuring individuals at risk receive the care and support they need

Every year, Islanders die by suicide and prevention is critical in Jersey. Each death affects individuals, families and the community directly and indirectly in so many ways.

While work has been done in the area of suicide prevention in Jersey, there is still much more to do. There are many ways in which services, communities, individuals, and society can help to prevent suicide. We must collectively do all we can prevent suicide from happening to save lives.

A Strategy for Suicide Prevention in Jersey 2025 to 2029​

Developing the strategy

We developed the strategy by understanding:

• risk factors for suicide
• circumstances
• deaths by suicide in Jersey
• support and services currently available
• insights of people with experience of loss from suicide or at risk of suicide
• insights of professionals and other stakeholders

Stakeholder engagement informed the priorities and actions set out within the strategy. It highlighted the need to:

• increase awareness of services and support available
• increase training in suicide prevention and support for health and social care staff
• review the support and information provided to those bereaved and affected by suicide
  

The key objectives

The strategy’s 4 key objectives are:

• ensuring appropriate support is available to those at risk of suicide and affected by 
• ​it
• ensuring effective system coordination and joint working to prevent suicide
• ensuring the availability of data, monitoring and on-going learning over time
• strengthening and supporting workforce capability and confidence in relation to suicide prevention across the Jersey system

Key actions are identified in the strategy. These will be undertaken in 2025 to 2029 and will be reviewed, updated and added to every year.