Suicide prevention: identifying and responding to suicide clusters

This document is for people with responsibility for suicide prevention in local authorities and their partner agencies.

The document includes:

• the meaning of the term ‘suicide clusters’
• identification of suicide clusters
• suggestions for who may be at risk of suicidal acts due to the influence of other people’s suicidal behaviour
• the mechanisms involved in suicide clusters
• the effects of suicide on other individuals

The steps required at local level to prepare for a suicide cluster are described alongside suggested responses to possible suicide clusters.

Finally, best practice is provided on how to evaluate responses to a cluster, and on using the experience to improve further suicide prevention measures.