Kent & Medway Suicide and Self‑Harm Conference 2025: Reflections on Hope and Humanity

On Thursday 27th November, I was honoured to join 280 stakeholders at the annual Suicide and Self‑Harm Conference, hosted by the Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Team. The day brought together lived and learned experience experts in suicide prevention, self‑harm, mental health, and community engagement.

The overriding theme was hope. Hope was described as a protective factor for many, and the message was clear: suicide is everyone’s business.

Language Matters

Speakers with lived experience reminded us of the importance of language. The phrase “committed suicide” reflects a time when suicide was a criminal act. The 1961 Suicide Act decriminalised suicide in England and Wales, marking a shift towards compassion rather than punishment. Yet stigma remains, and challenging societal norms continues to be vital if we are to make conversations about suicide part of everyday life.

Honest Conversations

Families who have lost loved ones shared the painful truth that not every life can be saved. Survivors spoke movingly about the struggles of overcoming suicidal thoughts. Around our tables, we reflected on what gives us hope: kindness, small acts of noticing, asking, and staying present during hard times. We also discussed the importance of self‑care, especially for those working or volunteering in suicide prevention.

Morning Session: Shaping Services, Sharing Power

Led by Tamsyn Phillips (NHS Kent & Medway ICB), this workshop explored how meaningful engagement can shape services that truly support mental health and wellbeing. We examined different types of engagement, the dangers of excluding marginalised voices, and the importance of equity in co‑production. Practical scenarios helped us reflect on decision‑making and the value of trauma‑informed, person‑centred approaches.

Afternoon Session: Healthwatch Self‑Harm Report

Leanne Trotter (Healthwatch Medway) presented findings from the Kent and Medway self‑harm report. Conversations with Healthcare Consultant Laurette Kavanagh highlighted the need for age‑, place‑, and space‑appropriate engagement. For younger audiences, reframing discussions through questions such as “what is kindness?” or “what does being unkind look like?” can draw out protective factors without directly mentioning self‑harm.

Baton of Hope and Closing Reflections

We watched a moving video of the Baton of Hope, which visited towns across Kent this year. Baton bearers shared what participation meant to them, and their bravery was deeply inspiring.

The closing session, led by Amazing Minds, offered mindfulness practice and insights from neuroscience. We learned that emotions last only 90 seconds — it is our thoughts that prolong the storm.

A Day of Hope and Gratitude

Though the day was full of emotion and sadness, I left with a renewed sense of hope and gratitude. The humanity of those working and living with these challenges is remarkable, and the commitment of organisations, charities, and community groups across Kent is deeply appreciated.

A heartfelt thank you to Tim, Megan, Emily, and Sophie from the Kent County Council Suicide Prevention Team for organising such a powerful and reflective day.

Elouise Ross - Head of Collaboration at Akumen