Coventry & Warwickshire Mind

Our work in suicide prevention

At Coventry & Warwickshire Mind (CMW), suicide prevention, transitions and self-harm are priority topics in which we recognise the importance of continuous striving and ongoing development of existing and new services. Our strapline is ‘No-one should have to face a mental health problem alone’ and the range of services that we offer give people the opportunity to choose the best service to meet their individual needs. Services are provided for children, young people, and adults of all ages.

CWM’s vision is of a society that promotes good mental health for all and that values, as equals, people who experience mental health problems and the organisation works hard to ensure that the vision creates a common purpose and focus for all.  The vision is inclusive of all people and their needs, it motivates the organisation to be respectful; accepting, enabling, empowering, supportive and valuing of each individual as an equal and important person who can receive from and contribute to the organisation.

The vision creates a framework for the delivery of a range of interventions and campaigns to support individuals in crisis or risk of reaching crisis can receive the support they need.

We are involved in the work of the Sustainability Transformation Plan and in particular sit on the local STP board for suicide prevention. In addition we have been involved in the development and delivery of  ‘It Takes Balls to Talk’ which is a local campaign to raise awareness amongst middle aged men of the need to talk about how you are feeling, particularly in times of crisis.

We have also produced a film for use in schools and with young people’s community group to encourage young people to be open about how they feel and able to talk about suicidal thoughts both in relation to themselves and also being a good friend who listens.

Our CEO is also the chair of the Suicide Prevention Steering group facilitated by Public Health.

Our current priorities

The business plan is structured around three main workstreams, each designed to address different stages of mental health support and recovery. The first, Staying Well, focuses on equipping individuals with the skills and resources they need to maintain their mental health and avoid the need for formal mental health services. The second, Being Well, provides support for people actively engaging with mental health services, helping them to achieve their full potential. Finally, Living Well encourages individuals to move forward after using mental health services, empowering them to participate actively in their communities.

The implementation and oversight of the business plan are managed through dedicated goal groups. These groups bring together representatives from Coventry and Warwickshire Mind (CW Mind) and individuals with lived experience, ensuring a collaborative approach that reflects diverse perspectives and needs.

CW Mind’s vision is to create a society that not only promotes good mental health for everyone but also values people with mental health challenges as equals. This vision underpins the organisation’s work, providing a shared purpose and focus for all involved. It forms the basis for delivering a wide range of interventions and campaigns aimed at supporting individuals in crisis or at risk of reaching crisis, ensuring they receive the help they need when they need it most.

Our current challenges

Challenges include managing the amount of people who currently access our services, with an average 10% increase year on year. Also having capacity to manage a wide range of services, to meet the needs of a diverse population.