Suicide
A fatal act of self-harm where there is evidence of intent to die.
Self Trauma • Foundational Programme 1
Suicide Prevention &
Community Support
Recognise concern. Strengthen protective factors. Support safe referral.
A prevention-first guide
Recognise concern and connect people to help.
This programme supports community education, early help-seeking, protective factors and safe referral. It does not diagnose mental illness, replace a professional risk assessment or provide emergency treatment.
1
Key definitions
Clear words help people respond without guessing or judging.
Suicide attempt
A nonfatal, self-directed act with some intent to die.
Self-harm
Deliberate self-injury or self-poisoning, with or without suicidal intent. Intent should not be guessed.
Suicide prevention
Actions that reduce risk, strengthen protection and support early help-seeking.
2
What we may see
Visible concerns
- Talking about wanting to die
- Self-harm or an attempt
- Severe hopelessness or withdrawal
- A major change in everyday functioning
Possible hidden pressures
- Trauma, conflict or abuse
- Isolation, discrimination or bullying
- Substance use or financial pressure
- Illness, pain, loss or barriers to care
3
Forms and examples
Thoughts or statements
Direct or indirect statements about dying or not wanting to live.
Suicide attempt
A recent or current act where some intent to die is present.
Self-harm
Self-injury or self-poisoning where intent may be unclear.
Urgent distress
Overwhelming distress, inability to stay safe or major behavioural change.
Remember: the visible concern may be only part of the person’s experience.
4
Risk factors and root causes
Look at what is visible, what may be contributing to it and what deeper conditions may be involved.
What is visible
Statements, withdrawal, self-harm, attempts or crisis.
What may be underneath
Conflict, trauma, isolation, substance use, loss, illness, stigma, exclusion or barriers to services.
Risk factors do not predict with certainty who will attempt suicide. They help us notice vulnerability and respond with care.
5
Traffic-Light urgency
This is a simple urgency guide, not a clinical assessment.
Red: immediate danger
- An attempt is underway or recent
- The person may act now or cannot stay safe
- There is immediate serious danger
Amber: urgent concern
- Suicidal thoughts or recent self-harm
- Worsening distress or withdrawal
- Concern is growing
Green: early support
- No current sign of immediate danger
- The person is open to help
- Support can be strengthened
“Green” does not mean “no concern.” Respond quickly if the situation changes.
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The 5As pathway
Ask
Listen and ask directly about safety.
Assess
Recognise urgency without diagnosing.
Advise
Explain the safest next step clearly.
Assist
Help connect the person to support.
Arrange
Support referral and follow-up.
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Support at every social level
IndividualKnowledge, coping, hope and access to care.
Family & relationshipsSupportive communication, safer homes and trusted people.
CommunityLess stigma, clear referral routes and safer environments.
Systems & societyAccessible services, responsible messaging and protective policies.
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CAHSICS community action
Education
Clear information about warning signs, protective factors and help-seeking.
Stigma reduction
Respectful conversations that challenge shame and harmful myths.
Community readiness
Simple guidance for families, young people, schools and facilitators.
Navigation
Help identifying appropriate services and supporting safe linkage.
Within scope: CAHSICS provides non-clinical prevention, education, support and referral guidance.
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Referral and follow-up
Help the person reach an appropriate service as safely as possible.
Immediate danger
- Call 112 from a mobile phone or the appropriate local emergency service.
- Go to the nearest emergency department.
- Stay with the person if it is safe to do so.
Suicide crisis support
SADAG Suicide Crisis Line:
For non-immediate concerns, contact a clinic, doctor or qualified mental-health professional.
SADAG is shown as a public referral option; this does not imply a formal partnership with CAHSICS.
CAHSICS does not replace emergency, clinical, legal, forensic or statutory services. When specialised help is required, our role is to support safe linkage to the appropriate service.