Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Children Partnership

Suicide Prevention, Support and Bereavement

Promoting suicide awareness and prevention is vital to protecting the wellbeing of children, young people, and those who care for them. In Westmorland and Furness, a range of resources, training opportunities, and support services are available to help professionals, families, and communities recognise the signs of distress and respond effectively.

Suicide Prevention: Everyone’s Business

At the heart of our approach to suicide prevention is the belief that all members of the local community can play a part. Our training aims to:

  • Reduce the stigma attached to suicide.
  • Increase understanding of when someone may be at risk.
  • Raise awareness of how to practically support someone in distress.
  • Highlight the range of services and resources available for people experiencing suicidal thoughts.

On average, one person dies by suicide every 5 days in Cumbria. But suicides are preventable, and we can all learn life-saving skills.

Suicide Prevention: Support and Resources

The following organisations and toolkits offer guidance, practical advice, and training to support suicide prevention:

  • Zero Suicide Alliance – A free, 20-minute online course teaching how to recognise warning signs, start a conversation, and safeguard someone who may be contemplating suicide.
  • NHS Suicide Prevention Toolkit – A comprehensive collection of resources, information, and good practice examples for suicide prevention across health and care settings.
  • National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH) – Annual research and reports providing evidence and recommendations to improve mental health safety and reduce suicide risk.
  • Alumina – A free, online self-harm support programme for young people aged 10–17.
  • Healthier Lancashire and Cumbria – Offers advice and guidance if you are worried about someone, or if you need urgent mental health support.
  • PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide) – National charity offering support, resources, and a confidential helpline (HOPELINE247) for young people at risk and those concerned about them.
  • The Calm Zone – Resources for families and professionals, including guidance on how to talk safely about suicide.
  • MIND – Support and information for people experiencing mental health problems.
  • Young Minds – Advice and resources to empower young people to look after their mental health and seek help when needed.
  • Lancashire and South Cumbria Initial Response Service – Provides access to urgent mental health support for anyone in crisis.
  • Hub of Hope – A national directory listing local and national mental health support services.
  • Samaritans – A free, confidential helpline offering emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123.

Every Life Matters

Every Life Matters Cumbria is a local charity dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. They provide:

  • Training programmes and community initiatives to increase understanding of suicide.
  • Support for people at risk and their families.
  • Suicide Awareness & Prevention Training Courses

How to Book

Please email training@every-life-matters.org.uk to book onto any of their training courses.

Immediate Support

If you or someone you know is struggling or in immediate distress, seek help immediately:

  • Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
  • Text “SHOUT” to 85258 – Free, confidential mental health support via text
  • NHS 111 – For urgent mental health advice and support
  • Emergency: Call 999

Suicide Bereavement Support

  • Every Life Matters – One-to-one support for people bereaved and affected by suicide.
  • Child Bereavement UK (Cumbria) – Support for children and young people bereaved by suicide.
    • National helpline: 0800 028 8840
    • Cumbria: 01539 628 311 | cumbriasupport@childbereavementuk.org
  • Cruse Cumbria – Support for people bereaved by suicide. Local Help Line: 0300 600 3434
  • Coroners Court Support Service – Practical and emotional support to families bereaved by suicide at a coroners’ court. Helpline: 0300 111 2141 (Mon–Fri 9am–7pm)
  • Together We – Counselling and wellbeing support for people bereaved by suicide in West Cumbria
  • Time to Share Bereavement Service (Copeland) – Play therapy support for children; referrals via school or support worker

National Support and Information

  • Support After Suicide – Information and resources following a suicide, including ‘Help is at Hand’ and ‘Finding the Words’.
  • Suicide & Co – Support for bereaved individuals and open conversations about suicide-related grief.
  • SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) – Guidance and national helpline: 0300 111 5065

Helplines

  • SOBS UK: 0300 111 5065 (9am–9pm, Mon–Fri)
  • Child Bereavement UK: 0800 028 8840
  • Winston’s Wish: 08088 020 021 (9am–5pm, Mon–Fri) – Advice for supporting grieving children
  • Coroners Court Support Service: 0300 111 2141 (Mon–Fri 9am–7pm)