Cumbria schools invited to suicide prevention conference

Organised by Every Life Matters, the event will focus on practical approaches to supporting young people experiencing suicidal thoughts.

It will be held in Penrith on February 26, at the North Lakes Hotel & Spa, which has donated the venue for the day.

Chris Wood, chief executive of Every Life Matters, said: "The support from both councils, Decommissioning and Nuclear Waste Partnership alongside North Lakes Hotel & Spa’s generous venue donation, is a great example of organisations across Cumbria coming together to help create safer, more supportive environments.

"Suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility, and schools have a vital role to play.

"By equipping staff and young people with the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to talk about suicide, seek support and respond safely when concerns arise, we can help save lives and create lasting change for future generations."

The conference is part of the charity’s Suicide Safer Schools programme, which promotes a whole-school approach to suicide prevention.

This includes developing policies, increasing staff confidence, improving support pathways, and preparing the community to respond to suicide-related incidents or bereavements.

Speakers will include Andy Airey, one of the founders of the nationally recognised 3 Dads Walking campaign, and Dr Nina Smith, Churchill Fellow for Suicide Prevention and PhD Researcher at Edge Hill University.

They will share insights and experiences to inform and inspire schools in their suicide prevention work.

Sarah Cameron, Suicide Safer Schools lead at Every Life Matters, said: "Schools play a crucial role in creating environments where young people feel safe, supported and able to ask for help.

"They can make a real difference to the lives of young people."

Delegates will explore how to encourage help-seeking, communicate safely about suicide, respond to disclosures, and support those affected by suicide bereavement.

The conference will also see the launch of a new classroom resource to help secondary schools deliver suicide prevention education safely.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people in the UK.

The conference is open to secondary school and college leaders, safeguarding and pastoral staff, PSHE leads, SENCOs, and other professionals working with young people.

Early bird tickets are available until December 18.

For more information and to book, visit every-life-matters.org.uk/schools-conference.