A powerful and purpose-driven mental health and suicide prevention conference, supported financially by Northumbria Police Federation and others, brought together professionals, charities, and organisations in a united call to action on one of the region’s most pressing crises.
Held intentionally on ‘Blue Monday’ – often labelled the most difficult day of the year – the conference sent a clear message: for many people, every day can feel like Blue Monday. And behind the statistics are real people – brothers, sisters, parents, children – whose lives matter.
The event, delivered in partnership with the North East Integrated Care Board, was the first of its kind for Northumbria Police and marked significant progress in the Force’s mental health and suicide prevention work.
It was led by Chief Inspector Angela Hewitt, who is responsible for the Force’s mental health and suicide prevention portfolio, and also serves as both the force and regional lead for mental health.
“This was about how we all come together,” she said, adding: “Suicide and mental health are not just someone else’s responsibility – it’s everybody’s business.”
According to latest ONS figures, the North East continues to have the highest suicide rate in England, a reality that framed the urgency of the day. The conference aimed not only to acknowledge the crisis but also to showcase and inspire local work already being done to make a difference.
Guest speakers
More than 170 people attended in person, with a further 200 joining online, with the aim of connecting, collaborating, and maintaining momentum across agencies.
Key guest speakers included Suicide Bereavement UK and Jordan Legacy, alongside contributions from individuals sharing lived experience through powerful artwork and personal testimony.
A recurring theme was stigma – challenging it, breaking it down, and creating safer spaces to talk openly about suicide. Feedback highlighted how the conference helped people feel more comfortable having difficult conversations, whether as professionals or as individuals.
A strong focus was placed on the welfare of police officers themselves. Officers are attending an increasing number of incidents involving people in mental health crisis or at risk of suicide – sometimes multiple times in a single shift. Each incident brings its own trauma.
“The uniform isn’t armour,” Angela emphasised. “Police officers are human beings. They bring their own life experiences and personal traumas to work, and then are expected to pick themselves up and move on.”
The conference highlighted the critical need to safeguard officers’ mental health and resilience, alongside protecting members of the public.
Officer welfare
Tools such as the Stay Alive app were discussed as vital resources for officer welfare, with strong support from the Police Federation, which both financially and physically supported the event.
While police often encounter individuals at the point of crisis, the conference challenged systems to intervene earlier. Discussions explored how smaller, local charities may support individuals long before police become aware of them – and how better information-sharing and collaboration could prevent escalation.
“There are so many different reasons why people reach crisis point,” Angela continued. “We have to join the gaps.”
The event reinforced that suicide can affect anyone, while recognising heightened risks among specific groups – men, older people, children and young people. Speakers addressed links with domestic abuse, involvement in the criminal justice system, and the worrying trend of suicide rates among younger populations.
But the message was clear: a one-size-fits-all response does not work. Understanding diversity, tailoring approaches, and intervening early are essential.
Mental health
“This isn’t just data,” Angela said, ending: “It’s people. And as a system, we have a responsibility to do something about it.”
Chair of Northumbria Police Federation, Nick Munnelly, praised the conference and reaffirmed the Federation’s ongoing commitment to member welfare and mental health awareness.
“This was an exceptionally powerful and important event,” Nick said. “It brought together the right people, with the right intent, to have honest conversations about mental health and suicide – conversations that too often are pushed aside.
“Northumbria Police Federation has been clear for some time that supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our members is not optional – it’s essential. Our officers and staff are repeatedly exposed to trauma, risk and human distress, and we have a responsibility to ensure they are properly supported, both professionally and personally.”
He added: “Within Northumbria, the Federation is already doing a significant amount of work to support members – from our mental health first aid training to supporting the STEP initiative and providing counselling to those who need it.
“We are proud to have supported this conference and will continue to play an active role in driving change, supporting our members, and protecting the people behind the uniform.”
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