Introduction
A suicide prevention initiative in the United Kingdom has produced a short film and a song to raise awareness and provide guidance on supporting individuals in suicidal crisis. The project incorporates perspectives from people with lived experience of suicidality.
Development of "Hold the Hope"
This initiative originated from Jo Lambert, who developed strategies for supporting a loved one experiencing suicidality. In 2023, Lambert collaborated with five other individuals, including those grieving a suicide death and those who had personally struggled with suicidal thoughts. Together, they created "Hold the Hope," a short film commissioned by a U.K. suicide prevention program.
The film's narrative is based on a poem written by Lambert, also titled "Hold the Hope." British spoken-word artist George the Poet recites the poem in the film. The poem addresses themes of emotional safety and support for individuals experiencing despair. It advocates for caregivers to connect, reflect, and validate feelings, and to acknowledge past experiences that may contribute to suicidal crises. The film depicts individuals in various settings, illustrating aspects of isolation and the need for connection.
In 2024, Lambert collaborated with composer Joe Waymouth to adapt the poem into a song. Volunteer singers, including students, healthcare workers from an NHS Mental Health Trust in southwest London, and individuals with lived experience of suicidality, recorded the song in a church.
Training and Implementation
Jo Lambert currently coordinates suicide prevention training sessions for healthcare providers, first responders, schools, and volunteers within a regional National Health Service (NHS) Mental Health Trust. Since 2024, the South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust has incorporated the "Hold the Hope" film into its suicide prevention awareness training.
Justine Trippier, a psychiatric nurse who conducts training sessions with Lambert, stated that sharing the voices of individuals with lived experience can help reduce stigma surrounding suicide and foster compassion among participants. Trippier observed that the film's integration has enhanced engagement and reflection levels during the sessions.
Broader Outreach and Context
Lambert intends to use the song to expand the reach of the suicide prevention message. This includes developing a freestyle dance to the song for YouTube and planning a hip-hop version. Lambert clarifies that these artistic productions serve as complementary resources and are not intended to replace formal statutory training provided by professionals.
Lambert's personal experience as a caregiver indicates that supporting someone in suicidal crisis can be demanding, sometimes requiring extended periods of continuous engagement. She described visualizing the act of "holding the hope" for a person until they could regain their own stability.
U.S. psychologist Ursula Whiteside, who leads the nonprofit Now Matters Now, noted that the advice presented in Lambert's song aligns with established suicide prevention strategies, such as maintaining presence and avoiding panic when interacting with someone in crisis. Whiteside characterized the song as distinct within the suicide prevention field and impactful due to its direct communication of what individuals in crisis find helpful.
Importance of Lived Experience
Healthcare professionals and suicide prevention experts increasingly acknowledge the value of incorporating perspectives from individuals with lived experience of suicidality. Research suggests that highlighting the experiences of those who have survived suicidality through seeking help can contribute to preventing others from attempting suicide. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline indicates that for every suicide death, over 300 individuals seriously consider suicide but do not proceed. The "Hold the Hope" song reinforces the concept that, with appropriate support, individuals can choose life despite suicidal ideation.