Suicide prevention and supporting loved ones
Every life lost to suicide is an enormous tragedy, which leaves devastating impacts on family, friends and communities.
Telford & Wrekin Council is committed to reducing the harms caused by suicide and doing all we can to prevent the preventable. Given the wide range of influences for suicide we need to take an approach that builds prevention across all parts of our community. Working together is vital and our partnership includes the organisations listed on this page.
Every life lost to suicide is a devastating tragedy, with lasting effects on families, friends and communities.
Telford & Wrekin Council is committed to preventing suicide and reducing its impact on individuals, families and communities. Suicide is influenced by many different factors, so prevention requires a coordinated approach across all parts of our community. By working together with organisations, we can help save lives and provide support to those affected by suicide.
Our vision is to create a community where fewer lives are lost to suicide and more people can access the support they need.
Our Suicide Prevention Strategy
The Telford & Wrekin Suicide Prevention strategy focuses on four key objectives.
Objective one
Improve the quality of data and intelligence on suicide and suicide risk, utilising tools such as Real Time Suspected Suicide Surveillance to better understand and respond to demographic need and emerging trends. Implement learning reviews and audits with partners to ensure recommendations are implemented.
Objective two
Improve the mental wellbeing and social outcomes for people bereaved by suicide through timely connection and support. This includes bereavement and practical support as well as ongoing opportunities to access postvention services as required. This will include review of the sustainability and evolution of existing models for long-term investment.
Objective three
Ensure that all professionals, partners and volunteers across Shropshire Telford and Wrekin are suicide risk aware, and have the knowledge, skills and confidence appropriate to their role.
Objective four
Enhance the universal offers to mitigate suicide and self-harm risk to raise awareness of suicide. This builds upon the previous strategy and involves close partnership with representatives from high risk cohorts to co-produce targeted offers and messages for suicide risk mitigation.
The strategy sets out what needs to be done and includes the action plan co-produced by stakeholders, partners, the suicide prevention action group/network and people personally affected by suicide to drive change by increasing suicide risk awareness and skills for intervention.
We commit to enhancing research, data collection and monitoring and continuing to develop and offer bereavement services and postvention support (action and support after suicide), and work to keep people mentally well and aware of support available .
We want to break that cycle and help bring people together:
showing people it is okay to talk
okay to speak to someone
okay to listen and ask if someone is okay
it is not okay for people to suffer in silence.
Download the Telford & Wrekin Suicide Prevention strategy (.pdf Size: 2563Kb)
Last updated : 3 November 2026
Many people struggle from time to time. A simple conversation can help someone feel supported, valued and cared for, and may encourage them to seek the help they need.
Shropshire and Telford Suicide Network
A guide for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts or concerns about someone else, providing practical advice, crisis guidance, and details of local and national support services.
Download the pick up the phone - you are not alone guide (.pdf Size: 668Kb)
Samaritans
Samaritans here to listen, no judgement, no pressure, and help you work through what's on your mind. We'll never tell you what to do.
Telephone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Telford Mind
Telford Mind works to promote recovery, aiming to provide high quality services for people who are experiencing mental health issues or emotional distress. It also offers support to people undertaking caring roles.
Telephone: 07434 869248
Visit the Telford Mind website
Shropshire Mental Health Support
They provide a wide range of support and service for the one in four people and their families affected by mental or emotional distress.
Telephone: 01743 368 647
Visit the Shropshire Mental Health Support website
Shout
Shout is a free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go it you’re struggling to cope and need immediate help.
Text: 85258
NHS Mindlands Partnership
Get advice and support anytime through the NHS Midlands Partnership's 24/7 urgent mental health helpline. The service is available for people of all ages and can help you, a family member, or someone you care for.
Telephone: 0808 196 4501
Visit th NHS Midlands Partnership website
Kooth
Soluna by Kooth is your space to get free confidential mental well-being support — built by the same people who brought you Kooth and designed to fit you.
Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) online training
Free online training courses that teach you the skills and confidence to have a potentially life-saving conversation with someone you’re worried about, 20 minutes could save a life, available for everyone.
zVisit the Zero Suicide Alliance website to access free online training
Last updated : 2 November 2026
Telford Mind
Telford Mind also offer a suicide bereavement support service which is available to family, friends, colleagues and anyone living in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin who is affected by a sudden and unexplained death.
Telephone: 07483 906 788
Email: talk2@telford-mind.co.uk
Last updated : 2 November 2026