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Sussex Suicide Prevention Conference 2024
We collaborated with six Sussex-based organisations, including Brighton & Hove City Council and NHS Sussex Partnership, to host the first local suicide prevention conference in Sussex.
The event fostered collaboration, shared best practices, and strengthened our collective commitment to suicide prevention.
This important event brought together healthcare professionals, mental health advocates, educators, and community leaders to tackle the critical issue of suicide prevention. Held in the heart of Sussex, the conference provided a platform for meaningful discussions, the sharing of best practices, and the development of effective strategies aimed at saving lives.
Over the course of the conference, attendees had the opportunity to engage in expert-led workshops, listen to inspiring keynote speakers, and take part in panel discussions covering a wide range of topics, including mental health awareness, intervention strategies, and the building of support systems. The event was not only about raising awareness but also about fostering collaboration and empowering participants to make a tangible difference in their communities.
We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making the Suicide Prevention Conference 2024 a success and for helping to move us closer to a future with fewer lives lost to suicide.
In proud partnership with
“This was a truly exceptional event. The power of the stories was incredible. There was an atmosphere of comfort and kindness that allowed people to speak honestly, openly and from the heart, and they so did.
I thought it was fantastic. It felt like a moment. I found so many new connections and was overwhelmed by the compassion, kindness and appreciation shared even by people horribly bruised by death and bereavement.”
The event brought together over 200 professionals from 85 organisations, sparking crucial conversations on suicide prevention.
Conference workshops & lectures
9.30 – 9.40 | Welcome
Emma Mills-Sheffield, Chair of Trustees for Grassroots Suicide Prevention
An opening address, setting the stage for a day of learning and collaboration.
9.40 – 9.50 | The Landscape of Suicide Prevention Across the County
Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health, East Sussex County Council and Pan Sussex Lead on Suicide Prevention
An exploration of the Pan Sussex strategy and local-based action plans that are shaping suicide prevention efforts across the county.
9.50 – 10.00 | National Picture on Mental Health & Mental Health Transformation
Sean Duggan OBE, Chair of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
About the national efforts to transform mental health services and their role in suicide prevention.
10.00 – 10.10 | Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Approach to Suicide Prevention
Peter Aitken, Chief Medical Officer, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
An insight into how Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is integrating suicide prevention strategies into their services.
10.10 – 10.40 | Lived Experience and Suicide Prevention
Tasha Barefield, Olivia-Louise Hamilton, Fi Allen, John Featherman
A presentation from the lived experience advisory group about the critical role of personal stories in suicide prevention.
11.10 – 11.40 | Bridging the Gap: Supporting Individuals with Suicidality During Waiting Periods
Agnes Munday, Head of Training, Grassroots Suicide Prevention
A discussion on how to support individuals who may be at risk while waiting for mental health services.
11.50 – 12.30 | Breakout Session A: Meaningful Safety Planning for Suicide Prevention
Agnes Munday, Dr. Karen Lascelles, Julie Cooper, Dave McNamara
A focused session on developing effective safety plans that save lives, featuring experts from across the field.
11.50 – 12.25 | Breakout Session B: Children and Young People and Suicide Prevention
Nicola Rosenberg, Laura Bryan, Joanna Johnson
Strategies for preventing suicide among children and young people, including the latest findings and practical approaches.
1.15 – 1.50 | The Truth About Suicide and the Impact of Bereavement
Dr. Rachel Gibbons, Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Gibbons explores the profound impact that suicide has on families and communities, shedding light on the truth behind suicide and its emotional toll.
2.00 – 2.35 | Breakout Session A: High-Risk Locations – What We’ve Learned So Far
Darrell Gale, Gus Pickett
A deep dive into high-risk locations for suicide and the progress made in improving safety and prevention efforts.
2.00 – 2.35 | Breakout Session B: Neurodivergence and Suicide Prevention
Emily Nuttall, Dr. Dawn Howard
Examining the intersection of neurodivergence and suicide prevention, with a focus on best practices for support.
3.00 – 3.35 | Understanding and Preventing Suicide
Professor Rory O’Connor, The University of Glasgow
Professor O’Connor sharing research on the psychological and environmental factors behind suicide, along with strategies to prevent it.
3.35 – 3.50 | Stories of Hope and Collaboration
Wendy Robinson, Robert Koch
Inspiring stories of collaboration between organisations and individuals that have helped bring hope and prevented suicide.
3.50 – 4.00 | Round-Up of the Day
Emma Mills-Sheffield, Rachael Swann
Whether you attended or not, we’re pleased to offer the opportunity to access the presentation slides. These resources contain important information and insights that can be helpful in supporting mental health and well-being.
The vulnerabilities shared by those with lived experience was awe inspiring. I’ve never felt so empowered by such a diverse group of people – It demonstrates the importance of the work we do in Suicide Prevention.
A truly informative day, handled sensitively, by a spectrum of experts. I was apprehensive about listening to the topic of suicide all day but our mental wellbeing was well looked after and it became, hands down the best conference I have ever attended.