The Alliance of Suicide Prevention Charities (TASC) is an alliance of the leading charities dealing with suicide prevention and mental health issues. For more information about our members and their work, please see our Who We Are pages. TASC believes that, whilst not every suicide is preventable, many of the thousands that occur each year could have been prevented, had the appropriate help and resources been available. The stigma & taboo surrounding mental health and suicide mean that, all too often, suicide is seen as an inevitable consequence of a particular weakness inherent in the individual. We know that this isn’t the case. Frequently, our healthcare and social checks fail those clearly in need or asking for help. We believe that suicide is a serious health issue, and, more broadly, that mental health should be given the same emphasis as physical health.
1) To share and provide information
To share and provide information on initiatives and carry out research focused on both reducing the number of suicides, and understanding more about the causes and triggers underlying suicidal behaviour.
2) To collaborate on effective interventions
To identify key weaknesses and gaps in current processes and provision (e.g. awareness, training, research, assessment and support), and collaborate on interventions, to effectively reduce the number of suicides.
3) To influence policy makers and the media
To work together to influence policy and decision makers in the adoption of effective suicide prevention strategies, and also with the media in the delivery of responsible reporting.