Tough To Talk's interpretation of NHS England's guidance on staying safe from suicide, tailored specifically for men.

Suicide prevention is urgent and necessary work, especially in male-centric environments where social pressures often make it hard for men to speak about their struggles.

The NHS England's Staying Safe from Suicide guidance offers an essential roadmap for better safety assessment, formulation, and management.

At Tough To Talk, we’re committed to helping organisations support men who may be at risk of suicide. This article represents our interpretation of the guidance, focused on actionable steps for organisations aiming to create safer, more supportive spaces for men.

A New Approach to Suicide Prevention

The guidance advocates replacing outdated risk stratification tools with relational, compassionate, and person-centered practices. Static tools like checklists fail to capture the complexity of suicide, especially when many individuals deemed “low risk” are still in extreme distress. Instead, organisations must focus on dynamic processes that foster trust, understand each person’s unique context, and provide tailored safety planning.

Key Challenges for Men

Men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide. Cultural stigma around vulnerability and societal pressures to appear strong often prevent them from reaching out for help. Men may struggle to articulate their emotions, and crises can escalate quickly. This makes early, compassionate engagement critical for saving lives.

Core Principles Organisations Need to Adopt

1. Relational Safety

Building and maintaining trust is the foundation of effective suicide prevention. For organisations that support men, this means creating an environment where individuals feel genuinely seen and supported. Tools to consider include:

• Authentic Conversations: Train staff to talk openly and sensitively about suicide without fear of saying “the wrong thing.” Normalising such discussions reduces stigma and builds trust.

• Open Questions: Avoid leading or closed questions like “You’re not suicidal, are you?” Instead, invite honest dialogue with questions such as, “How are you feeling about what’s been happening lately?”

• Consistency: Be dependable. Following through on commitments helps establish reliability and reduces feelings of abandonment.

  
  

2. Biopsychosocial Approach

Men’s mental health challenges often stem from interconnected biological, psychological, and social factors. When developing safety strategies, a holistic approach considers all aspects of a person’s life. Key actions include:

• Explore Context: Address factors such as employment stresses, relationship breakdowns, substance use, or physical health issues.

• Highlight Strengths: Identify protective factors like meaningful relationships, hobbies, or personal values that provide a sense of purpose.

• Create Realistic Hope: Acknowledge feelings of despair while guiding men toward achievable steps for improvement.

  
  

3. Dynamic and Collaborative Safety Planning

Static, one-size-fits-all solutions do not work. Safety plans should instead be personalised, adaptable, and co-produced with the individual. Here’s how organisations can start:

• Recognise Triggers and Warning Signs

  Help men identify what might lead to suicidal thoughts (e.g., anniversaries, arguments, or feelings of failure). Provide tools to recognise these signs early.

• Encourage Self-Management Techniques

  Equip individuals with coping strategies tailored to their needs, like exercise, mindfulness, or creative outlets.

• Engage Trusted Networks

  Identify supportive people in the individual’s life who can assist. Be deliberate and ensure the person consents to involving these individuals.

• Access to Professional Support

  The plan should include crisis helplines and pathways to mental health services. Men should be aware that they can reach out without judgment.

• Reduce Access to Means

  Work collaboratively to limit potential risks, such as securing medications or avoiding triggering environments.

  
  

4. The Power of Language

How organisations talk about suicide can profoundly shape how men engage with support. Take care to:

• Replace stigmatising terms like “commit suicide” with “die by suicide” to reduce judgment.

• Avoid clinical jargon and use simple, empathetic language that is easier to connect with.

• Meet men on their terms. Pay attention to how they describe their feelings, and reflect their language during discussions.

  
  

Actionable Steps for Male-Centric Organisations

1. Train Staff. Ensure teams understand the importance of relational safety, biopsychosocial approaches, and responsive safety planning. Use lived experiences or scenario-based learning tools to build confidence in addressing sensitive topics with men.

2. Make All Spaces Safe Spaces. Establish an environment where men feel comfortable sharing their feelings. Incorporate casual, nonjudgmental settings like sports clubs, workplaces, or community hubs where men often gather.

3. Stress Emotional Literacy: Help men build a language to articulate their emotions. This could involve group activities, workshops, or resources that model how to express feelings in a constructive way.

4. Monitor and Adapt. Organisations should regularly review practices and obtain feedback from those they support to ensure approaches are effective. Gathering input from lived experience partners can reveal blind spots in your current strategies.

5. Engage Leadership. Strong leadership commitment is crucial to embed suicide prevention into organisational culture. Champions within your team can advocate for these changes and lead ongoing training and support efforts.

   
   

Moving Forward Together

Addressing suicide among men requires empathy, courage, and a willingness to act. By adopting these practices from the Staying Safe from Suicide guidance, organisations can create a meaningful impact. Together, we can champion relational, person-centered care and help save lives by meeting men where they are and giving them the tools needed to move forward.

If your organisation is ready to take the next steps, Tough To Talk is here to support you with training, resources, and tailored advice. Together, we can foster a culture that not only prevents suicide but also empowers men to thrive.