Staying Safe from Suicide is the best practice guidance for safety assessment, formulation and management published in June 2025.
This guidance supports the government’s work to reduce suicide and improve mental health services. It promotes a shift towards a more holistic, person-centred approach rather than relying on risk prediction, which is unreliable because suicidal thoughts can change quickly. Instead, it recommends using a method based on understanding each person’s situation and managing their safety. NHS England » Staying safe from suicide
Picture - Seamus Watson with Dr. Phil Cooper, State of Mind trustee
We ask that all mental health practitioners follow these principles. But guidance alone isn’t enough. Real change requires improvements in training, education, and organisational culture. Many are already adopting this approach, but success depends on collaboration across the entire mental health system, including the NHS, private providers, charities and independent practitioners. This is why we are delighted that many key organisations have endorsed it. This is an area where we need to be open to learn and improve, and where our work is never complete. In the words of lived experience advisors who supported this work:
“Our deepest hope is that these insights will transform how lived experience shapes suicide prevention – from policy creation to frontline care. Every person deserves to feel truly seen and supported in their darkest moments, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
Claire Murdoch, National Director of Mental Health, NHS England
Dr Adrian James, National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, NHS England
Philip Pirie (Co-Chair), Patient and Public Voice
Dr Adrian Whittington (Co-Chair), National Clinical Lead for Psychological Professions, NHS England
Seamus Watson (Programme Lead), National Improvement Director, NHS England
Richard Webb (Lead Writer), Deputy Director of Nursing, Community Mental Health, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust
Philip Pirie dedicates his suicide prevention campaign to the memory of his son Tom.
