Stay Alive APP on police officers' phones

5 September 2025

Nearly 8,000 police officers and staff in Hampshire and Thames Valley received a suicide-prevention APP on their work mobile phones this week, as part of the STEP (Suicide Trauma Education Prevention) campaign.

The move comes as figures collected by Channel 4 News suggest that, nationally, at least 100 current and former police officers and staff have taken their own lives in the past three years.

The Stay Alive APP, developed by the Grassroots Suicide Prevention Charity, provides tailored information to people in crisis. The idea to put it on police phones came from Spencer Wragg, Chair of Hampshire Police Federation and founder of the STEP campaign. 

Spencer said: “It's an APP that we hope none of the officers and staff ever have to use. But the reality is, we know that out of 8,000 people, one in five will have suicidal thoughts, and this APP can be a potential source of help to people in crisis. I’ve said before that if someone is in difficulty it doesn't matter how they reach out to someone, just that they do – so this is another accessible method to do that.

“The APP also provides guidance when you're trying to help other people. So those 8,000 people will be able to go and help friends, family and colleagues who are struggling.

“And the biggest thing is, it's free. It doesn't cost the force or the Federation anything. But if you think about it, it could cost a person everything if they’re not able to get help at a time of crisis. It's immediate – there’s help at the push of a button.

“I think every force should have this APP – all the officers and staff. There's no downside to having it.”

The Stay Alive APP is already tried and tested, as the number-one suicide prevention app in the UK. It has helped support countless people across the country, but this is the first time police officers and staff have the APP on their work phone. 

Spencer added: “I’m really proud that we’ve made this happen, as it’s one of our goals from the STEP campaign. This means that 8,000 officers and staff have more access to help that they didn’t have last week. And I would encourage all other forces and Federations to follow suit, as there’s no downside to doing it and it really could save lives.”

Hampshire Police ACC Paul Bartolomeo said: "We know policing is tough and that officers face traumatic situations daily.  We also know that those in policing are ordinary people, who do extraordinary work, and are subject to pressures in their personal lives as well as professional lives. 

"We know that a simple conversation can make a huge difference and we need to create an environment where officers and staff feel comfortable speaking about their challenges with people who understand and can help. This resource provides guidance and signposting for both individuals in need and for those supporting them.  

"Through the Federation’s STEP campaign this APP is now available on all force mobile devices so that help is always close to hand. Every suicide is one suicide too many and by working together, having conversations and treating one another with respect and empathy we can help reduce suicide in policing and for those we serve."

Alex Harvey, Head of Partnerships & Innovation, for Grassroots Suicide Prevention, said: “It's inspiring to see Hampshire and Thames Valley police forces rolling out the Stay Alive APP to nearly 8,000 officers and staff. 

"By equipping police with suicide prevention tools and resources, this initiative strengthens public safety as well as supporting officer wellbeing. 

"It ensures that practical support is available not only for individuals and colleagues, but also for members of the public at times of greatest need. This commitment to suicide prevention sets an important example we hope other forces across the UK will follow.”

If police officers and staff are struggling with their mental health, it’s important to talk to someone, anyone, it doesn’t matter who. 

You will never regret reaching out.

You are not alone, and that there are people there to help. 

This includes, for immediacy:

The Mental Health Crisis Line: call 0300 131 2789.

The Thin Blue Line: visit www.thinbluelineuk.org.uk

and Samaritans: call 116 123 

Officers can also access the support offered by charities and organisations including Flint House, Police Treatment Centres, The Ben Fund and Oscar Kilo.

Grassroots Suicide Prevention.