World Suicide Prevention Day: webinar aims to break down barriers

9 September 2024

The Police Federation is marking World Suicide Prevention Day by holding a free webinar to encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide.

Northamptonshire Police Federation members are being invited to attend the webinar, which takes place from 10.30am to midday tomorrow (10 September).

Northamptonshire Police Federation chair Sam Dobbs said: “I’ve lost a loved one to suicide and supported a number of colleagues with suicidal thoughts, which is far more common than many, or I’d, like to think.

“And, of course, we are often first responders to members of the public in crisis.

“Suicide still carries a stigma and it needs talking about so we all understand it more, the times and triggers to watch out for, and the need to be gentle with ourselves and others because often it’s the least likely people who need that gentleness and support.”

Highest rate

Government figures showed there were 6,069 suicides in England and Wales in 2023, up from 5,642 in 2022. It’s the highest rate since 1999.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) suicide prevention webinar is part of its #AskTwice campaign, which encourages open conversations about mental health and fosters support within policing.

The webinar will include personal stories from a branch secretary and equality lead about his struggles with mental health and how he has supported Federation members.

A rep will share her experience and valuable insight into antenatal depression.

And Dr Jess Miller, principal investigator at Cambridge University’s Department of Sociology, will explore the thinking that can lead to suicidal thoughts, and provide strategies for teams to cultivate a supportive environment that addresses and counteracts these harmful patterns.