Suicide: Mental Health Services

The Government recognises that informal peer support networks, including support provided by friends, family members, colleagues, and community groups, can play an important role in promoting wellbeing, encouraging help-seeking, and supporting suicide prevention among men.

The Suicide Prevention Strategy for England 2023–2028 recognises the value of community-based approaches to suicide prevention and highlights the importance of creating supportive environments in which people feel able to talk openly about their mental health and seek help when needed.

While the Department has not made a specific assessment of the contribution of informal peer support networks to suicide prevention among men, the available evidence indicates that social connectedness and supportive relationships can be protective factors against suicide. The Government is committed to working with local authorities, the National Health Service, employers, voluntary and community organisations, and others to strengthen support across communities and improve outcomes for those at risk of suicide.