M·E·L Research is proud to launch the SPARK report, a project designed to spark meaningful change in suicide prevention across the UK.
What does SPARK stand for?Suicide Prevention: Attitudes, Risk & Knowledge.
Our role is not to deliver direct suicide prevention services, but to empower the organisations and individuals who do. Our mission is to equip decision-makers, campaigners, and service providers with the data they need to drive informed action and lasting impact through robust, actionable suicide prevention statistics and insights.
Conducted by M·E·L Research, SPARK is a catalyst for change, providing critical evidence that helps to shapesuicide prevention strategies in the UK.
Tracking Suicide Attempts and Suicidal Thoughts: What the SPARK Report Does
The primary objectives of the SPARK Report are multifaceted, aiming to:
Identify Current Trends: By collecting suicide attempts data and public attitudes twice a year, the survey tracks evolving experiences related to suicide and mental health across the UK, offering a dynamic view of the landscape. While data from other sources is limited, our findings have proven robust when compared to past statistics.
Inform Policy and Action: The insights gleaned from our survey are intended to guide policymakers, mental health organisations, and stakeholders in crafting effective suicide prevention policies and strategies.
Raise Public Awareness and Engagement: By sharing our findings, the initiative seeks to boost public awareness about the importance of suicide prevention and the critical role of mental health support.
The survey includes tracking questions wave-on-wave, plus additional questions in each survey wave that focus on specific issues related to suicide and mental health.
Do you need support?
Samaritans. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org. You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day)
Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (24 hours, 7 days a week), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK. Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day).
*Please note, for consistency the Spring 2024 report is a version that was presented at the Join The Dots Tour Launch Conference. Thus, some headings were written directly by Towards Zero Suicide CIC.
If you reference our findings, please credit M·E·L Research’s SPARK Report appropriately for example:
If you have any questions or queries on the research above, or about the Research with a Purpose omnibus, please do get in touch with us via the contact page.
Why UK Suicide Prevention Statistics Matter
There has long been a lack of comprehensive, up-to-date UK suicide statistics and data on suicidal thoughts. Existing sources are often outdated, incomplete, or inconsistent, making it difficult for organisations to target their suicide prevention interventions effectively.
The SPARK report was specifically developed to fill this critical data gap. Using bi-annual surveys with nationally representative UK samples, SPARK delivers detailed findings on public attitudes, risks, and knowledge around suicide.
This ongoing research creates a solid foundation for evidence-based policy, targeted prevention strategies, and public awareness campaigns on suicide prevention in the UK.
How UK Organisations Use SPARK Suicide Prevention Data
The data and insights within the SPARK report are designed to be used by:
Policymakers shaping national suicide prevention frameworks
Charities and campaigners supporting funding bids and advocacy work
Public bodies and local councils informing mental health service design
Researchers and educators filling UK suicide data gaps and building awareness
Each SPARK report is packed with real-world suicide prevention statistics and evidence that can be cited to influence change.
Need Help Now? Suicide Support Services in the UK
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings, please contact:
For questions or further details about the SPARK Suicide Prevention Report, please contact: Beth Harcourt, Marketing Manager– beth.harcourt@melresearch.co.uk
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