New suicide prevention strategy aims to save lives across Northamptonshire

16 September 2026

New suicide prevention strategy aims to save lives across Northamptonshire 
North Northamptonshire Council has approved the new Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031, reaffirming its commitment to preventing suicide and supporting the mental wellbeing of residents. 

The countywide strategy has been developed jointly by North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council alongside NHS, voluntary sector and community partners, setting out a shared vision to reduce suicide and the harm it causes across Northamptonshire over the next five years.  

The strategy recognises that suicide remains a significant and preventable public health challenge and requires sustained, coordinated and compassionate action. Latest data shows an average of 77 deaths by suicide each year across Northamptonshire, including around 40 deaths annually in North Northamptonshire. Men continue to be disproportionately affected, alongside people facing social and economic disadvantage, underlining the need for targeted action and early support. 

Developed with input from people with lived experience and informed by local evidence, the strategy aims to reduce suicide rates, improve mental wellbeing and ensure support is available before people reach crisis point. It outlines a whole-system approach to prevention, recognising that suicide prevention is everybody's business and that meaningful change can only be achieved through partnership working.  

The strategy builds on the successes of the previous Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy, which delivered a range of initiatives across the county, including awareness campaigns, suicide prevention training and strengthened support services. 

As part of the strategy's ongoing delivery, partners across Northamptonshire will continue to expand the Orange Button Scheme, a countywide initiative operating across both West and North Northamptonshire. The scheme identifies trained members of the community by the distinctive Orange Button badge they wear. 

These individuals can provide a listening ear, offer reassurance and signpost people to appropriate support relating to suicide in everyday community settings such as libraries, community centres, pharmacies, cafés, leisure centres and other public-facing venues. The strategy includes the continued implementation and promotion of the Orange Button Scheme as a key action over the next five years. 

The strategy also commits to the ongoing promotion of Northamptonshire's male suicide prevention campaign, which was developed with males who have lived experience of mental health challenges and aims to encourage open conversations, reduce stigma and support earlier help-seeking. 

Residents can find out more about the Orange Button Scheme and read the stories shared through the Northamptonshire male suicide prevention campaign.
 

Every suicide is a tragedy that has a devastating impact on families, friends, colleagues and communities. While progress has been made over recent years through awareness campaigns, training and improved support services, we know there is still much more to do.

This new strategy brings together partners from across Northamptonshire behind a shared commitment to reduce suicide, tackle the factors that can increase risk, and ensure people get the help and support they need as early as possible. We will continue to build on initiatives such as the Orange Button Scheme and our male suicide prevention campaign, which are helping to start important conversations, reduce stigma and connect people with support.

We are particularly focused on reaching those groups most at risk, reducing inequalities and strengthening support for people who have been bereaved by suicide.

By working collaboratively and listening to communities and people with lived experience, we can make a real difference and help save lives.Councillor Brian Benneyworth, North Northamptonshire Council's Executive Member for Housing, Health and Leisure.

The strategy aligns with national suicide prevention priorities and focuses on improving evidence and data, providing targeted support to groups at higher risk, addressing common risk factors linked to suicide, improving crisis support, strengthening bereavement support and making suicide prevention everybody's business.