Colleagues from across the Child Death Review system recently came together for a dedicated study day hosted by the West Midlands Child Death Review Network, focusing on suicide prevention.

The session brought together professionals from Education, Policing, Health, Social Care, Public Health, CAMHS, and the wider third sector, creating a valuable space for shared learning, reflection, and collaboration.

Sharing Learning and Emerging Themes

Participants heard insights from recent Child Death Review activity, alongside key themes emerging from partnership learning. These included reflections from previous system-wide initiatives, such as simulation exercises exploring a teenage suicide and analytical work reviewing suicide data over the past five years.

The day provided an opportunity to explore how this learning is shaping practice and influencing change across services.

Key Areas of Discussion

The study day focused on several critical areas, including:

• Local support provision and the accessibility of pathways for children, young people, and families
• Suicide surveillance and data connectivity, and how services can strengthen joined‑up working while aligning with national learning
• The wider suicide prevention strategy and its application across agencies
• Support within schools, particularly around proactive conversations to normalise mental health support
• Suicide awareness and prevention training for professionals

Attendees also reflected on learning relating to online activity prior to suicide, including variations in access to support and service responses.

Practice-Focused Exploration

A key feature of the day was opportunity for discussion, with participants considering:

• What does good practice look like across services?
• How has learning translated into meaningful change?
• What are the early warning signs, and how can we intervene earlier?
• How effective are school alerts and information-sharing processes?
• What support is available for families before, during, and after a crisis?

These conversations highlighted the importance of early identification, effective multi-agency communication, and coordinated responses in preventing future deaths.

Moving Forward

The study day reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening suicide prevention efforts across the region. By bringing together a wide range of partners, the session supported deeper understanding and practical reflection, helping to ensure that learning continues to translate into tangible improvements for children, young people, and families.

Venue:
Tally Ho Sports and Conference Centre
Lord Knights Building, Edgbaston (B5 7RN)