The Local Government Association (LGA)’s Public Health Improvement Programme is reflecting on Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2026) with a webinar to discuss how councils work collaboratively with partners in relation to suicide prevention.
Session description
Every suicide is a tragedy that can have a devastating and lasting impact on families, friends, workplaces and communities. Evidence shows that suicide remains a significant public health challenge, with men continuing to be disproportionately affected and increasing concern around suicide rates among younger people.
Following the Government’s publication of the 2012 strategy “Preventing suicide in England”, councils were given the responsibility of developing local suicide action plans through their work with health and wellbeing boards (HWBs). Councils play a crucial role in reducing risk factors, promoting mental wellbeing, supporting vulnerable groups and bringing partners together to create effective, community-based responses.
The purpose of this webinar is to share learning about the development of collaborative, multi-agency Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm strategies and approaches with wide-reaching stakeholder ownership and engagement, including across the VCSE sector. We will hear insights from Champs Public Health Collaborative (Cheshire and Merseyside), Sefton Council, and Samaritans.
Who should attend?
Council officers with responsibility for or interest in reducing suicide rates in their communities. The session will be particularly relevant for council officers responsible for writing or delivering the suicide prevention strategies and action plans.
Speakers include:
- David Regan (Chair), Independent Public Health Consultant
- Neil Peters – Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Consultant
- Dr Rory McGill – Director of Public Health at Sefton Council; Lead Director for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention at Champs (Cheshire and Merseyside Public Health Collaborative)
- Monica Hawley – Media Adviser, Samaritans