News / Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2025
Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2025, day 16: Suicide Prevention UK
Suicide Prevention UK was founded in our city as Suicide Prevention Bristol in 2018 following the tragic death of a mother and her newborn baby.
Michael Everett knew that there needed to be a way of supporting people who felt they were unable to reach out for help, and who were going to locations in and around Bristol to end their life.
Volunteers soon began to patrol areas where people were known to take their lives; in order to support them and show that that people do care, as well as finding alternative solutions to suicide..
This was the start of the charity, which has since expanded into Bath and Wales.
Suicide Prevention UK volunteers wear clearly marked high-visibility vests and carry essential safety equipment.
They are trained in:
- Suicide prevention and mental health awareness
- Crisis communication and de-escalation
- Safeguarding and trauma-informed listening
- Referrals to additional support services
“We work closely with community networks, local authorities, and crisis partners to ensure that any person we support is not left alone or without a way forward,” say the team.
“Many people facing suicidal thoughts don’t reach out. Some don’t even realise how close they are to a breaking point.
“By placing trained, caring individuals where they’re most needed, Suicide Prevention UK can offer support before a crisis becomes a tragedy.
“This quiet, proactive presence has already helped save lives – and continues to do so week after week.”
For more information, visit www.spuk.org.uk
Main photo: Suicide Prevention UK
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