Since 2019, CCCU academics have been involved in Knowledge Exchange projects, alongside Middlesex University and University of Westminster and with external partners, including Network Rail and National Highways. The projects were designed to gain an in-depth understanding of the reasons and factors that influence individuals’ decisions to use certain public spaces as a site for suicide attempts.

Gaining these insights were invaluable and have since informed critical campaigns to help others such as the Samaritans and Network Rail “Small Talk Saves Lives” campaign.

The challenge

Since 2019, Canterbury Christ Church University has been a part of the Knowledge Exchange projects. Working alongside Middlesex University and University of Westminster, we teamed up with external partners, including Network Rail and National Highways, to gain an in-depth understanding of why individuals consider, use or disregard certain public locations as a site for a suicide attempt, and what factors might influence their decision.

Around 30% of suicides are estimated to occur in public. Suicide prevention is complex and lacks a strong evidence base, particularly as it relates to preventing deaths in public spaces. Key stakeholders, such as the rail and road industries, Samaritans and Police, work hard to prevent such deaths, often collaborating with academics on Knowledge Exchange projects to explore ways of managing the issue.

Drawing on a range of data sources, methods and perspectives, and communicating with various stakeholders, we collaboratively proceeded to increase our collective understanding as to why people choose public locations for a suicide attempt, in the hopes of implementing effective preventative tactics.

The results

From this research and collaboration amongst key groups, research and Knowledge Exchange projects have led to an increased understanding in this area.

The recommendations that we have suggested have been put into practice at railway, road and coastal locations across the UK. Interventions have included public information campaigns, changes to how suicide and suicide prevention are communicated to the public, and better support for people affected by suicide in public places, including staff.

What we’ve learned

From the results we have gathered from this research, we have learned some vital lessons on how to support some of the most vulnerable in society. Here’s what we have learned:

• We now have more of an understanding as to why people choose particular public locations.
• We have more of an idea of what could work in terms of prevention.
• Learning from these projects has informed subsequent work in other areas of the UK.

How we’ve benefitted

From this study, our findings have informed supportive and necessary campaigns such as the Samaritans and Network Rail “Small Talk Saves Lives” campaign.

What’s more, public messaging on the railways was changed following work on how suicide was communicated across the rail network.

The research has also informed staff training and measures to support staff following a suicide.

In February 2023 we were awarded a £1.1m NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) grant as part of their Public Health Research (PHR) Programme for further work on preventing suicides at high-risk locations. This exciting award means that our researchers can continue their work to support both local and wider communities across the UK.

 

Overall, this study has shed a poignant light on how we can help others who are vulnerable to suicide. Through this collaboration, we, at CCCU, and our partners can continue to focus on this crucial area to ensure that all stakeholders and the community are supported in suicide prevention.

For more information, please contact Dr Ian Marsh: ian.marsh@canterbury.ac.uk

By Dr Ian Marsh