Richmond seeks residents' views on new suicide and self-harm prevention strategy
9 September 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
Richmond Council is consulting on a draft Suicide and Self-harm Prevention Strategy covering 2026 to 2029, and is asking residents, local organisations, professionals and people with lived experience to share their thoughts before the deadline of 15 October.
The strategy sets out how the council and its partners — including local health services, voluntary organisations and the Richmond and Wandsworth Suicide and Self-harm Prevention Partnership — plan to reduce suicide and self-harm, improve access to support and reduce the stigma that can prevent people seeking help.
The timing is deliberate: World Suicide Prevention Day falls on Thursday 10 September, a moment used internationally to encourage open conversations and remind people that support is available.
Consultations of this kind matter because the final strategy is expected to shape how services are commissioned and where resources go across the borough over the next three years. Feedback from the survey is intended to ensure the plan reflects what residents actually need, rather than being shaped solely by professionals and partner agencies.
Residents can read the draft document and complete the survey via the Richmond Council consultation page. The survey closes on 15 October 2026.
If you or someone you know needs support, the Samaritans can be reached any time on 116 123.