Better support for Croydon residents’ mental health and wellbeing, and more services and advice to help prevent self-harm and suicide have been outlined in a new multi-agency strategy led by Croydon Council.

The Multi-Agency Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2028 sets out a clear framework to address risks, and ensure timely, compassionate support for those affected.

Helping residents to live longer, healthier and happier lives is a priority for Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon.

The strategy, launched on World Mental Health Day (10 October), puts a spotlight on issues faced by people most at risk of suicide and the help they may need. It outlines six key areas detailing how the Council with local partners across the NHS, voluntary and community organisations are taking action to reduce suicide and self-harm.

These include improving access to mental health care, providing tailored support to those bereaved or affected by suicide and supporting responsible media coverage of suicide deaths.

The strategy highlights some Croydon initiatives supported by the Council that are already improving outcomes for people who are identified as more likely to attempt suicide.

Croydon based Off The Record provide free counselling and mental health support. They run self-harm support groups for young people and their parents and carers.

Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership helps professionals better support LGBTQ+ young people with confidence and compassion.

Croydon Drop In’s Talk Bus is a safe space for young people to talk about issues and be signposted to mental health and wellbeing services.

Men in Croydon can join walk and talk sessions in Lloyd Park and Selhurst led by The Proper Blokes Club, and take part in activities at Croydon’s Men’s Shed in New Addington.

The Council and voluntary sector specialists, Grassroots, are creating online parental mental health and suicide training for professionals. They are also offered training from mental health charity MIND and Croydon’s Autism Partnership Board to learn more about autism and suicide.

Support for people considering suicide at railway stations is also available owing to the ongoing collaboration with the railway industry, Police, Samaritans, and other organisations to help front-line staff identify and support people at stations.

Between 2021 and 2023, in Croydon there were 60 recorded suicide deaths, 51 suicide deaths were in males and nine were in females. This is a 29% reduction in suicide deaths compared to 2018-2020.

“Every suicide death is a tragedy that affects families and communities and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. No one should feel alone in their struggle. Croydon’s updated multi-agency strategy outlines a local action plan to address the risk factors leading to suicidal thoughts and reduce the risk of self-harm and death by suicide. We will also support those bereaved or affected by suicide death in a timely and compassionate manner.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon

Shaun Polley, CEO, Croydon Drop In, said: “Changing the narrative on suicide means listening deeply and acting early. Our TalkBus is in Croydon six days a week, giving young people a safe, confidential space right on their doorstep. We believe every conversation can be life changing. TalkBus is here to help young people start the conversation – no judgment, just support.”

Anyone affected by self-harm and suicide can contact these organisations for help and support: