Lived experience opportunities

What - The aim of this study is to understand what encourages or discourages help-seeking behaviour in people considering taking their own life at high-risk locations (such as bridges or cliffs). We want to know what people think about different interventions designed to encourage help-seeking, like signage for crisis services, or emergency telephones, that might be in locations that have a high risk for suicide.

We would like to hear from people who have been at a high-risk location with suicidal intent or thoughts about ending their own life, and people who have noticed interventions that encourage help-seeking and sought help as a result or not.

There are two opportunities to take part in this project, you cannot take part in both please let Beth know which you’d prefer to do:

1) Take part in two in-person workshops each lasting approximately 3 hours. There will be approx. 5-7 people with lived experience taking part as well as 3-4 researchers with expertise in suicide research.

In the first workshop, you will be asked to discuss which types of interventions encouraging help-seeking might be helpful, possible risks of these interventions, what these interventions should be like / how they should be presented, as well as issues relating to diversity and accessibility of the interventions.

After the first workshop, you will be asked to find/take/create images that help to show your thoughts about these interventions, for example images of signs that you like. You will be invited to share these images and your thoughts/feelings with the group at the second workshop. You won’t be asked to revisit any locations that might be difficult or triggering, or to put yourself in any risk of harm.

2) One online workshop lasting approximately 3 hours. There will be approx. 20 people with lived experience taking part as well as 3-4 researchers with expertise in suicide research. In this workshop you would be asked to provide feedback on the ideas put forward in the first two workshops. This might involve group activities like ranking interventions or designs.

When -

In person workshops: 16th June and 2nd July

Online workshop: 24th July

Time commitment - Between 3 - 9 hours dependant on option 1 or 2

Who - To take part in the workshops, participants must:

• Be over 18 years of age
• Not currently be experiencing strong suicidal thoughts
• Not have made a recent suicide attempt (past 3 months)
• Be based in the UK

You can claim a £50 voucher per workshop

Support - Before the workshop, we’ll ask you to think about what you can do to look after yourself and who you can reach out to after the workshop. After the workshop you will be provided with a list of resources that are free/cheap to access and that can be accessed instantly if you are feeling upset after taking part. This will include phone numbers, websites and SMS text numbers.

How - Email [email protected] for more information about taking part in the study and with any questions.

Deadline - 20th July 2025

What - The SREB is an independent group, which provides ethical assurance of research within Samaritans. The SREB is a formal advisory sub-group of the External Engagement and Research Committee.

The aim of the SREB is to help ensure that research projects carried out within or on behalf of Samaritans meet the organisation’s research ethical standards, as outlined in Samaritans Research Ethics Policy.

The SREBs role is to review applications for ethical approval and provide recommendations to Samaritans as to whether the research should be approved. Also, to discuss matters relating to the SREB and processes for ethical review within Samaritans.

Why - As a member of Samaritans’ Research Ethics Board with lived experience, you will play a vital role in shaping how research is conducted across the organisation. Your insights will help ensure that ethical considerations reflect the real-world experiences of those most affected by the issues being studied. By bringing your voice to the review process, you will help safeguard the dignity and wellbeing of research participants, influence how sensitive topics are approached, and contribute to research that is more inclusive, compassionate, and impactful.

Where - Online

When/Time Commitment - Attendance at 2 online meetings a year of around 2 hours and between 3.5-7 hours a month to complete tasks

Who - People who are over 18 with a range of experiences/perspectives on suicide and an interest in influencing research - please read the role description for full criteria

Support - Provided by the Head of Research and Evaluation, the SREB Chair and the other members of SREB

Payment - £150 per day (7 hours of meetings and tasks completed over time)

How - Read the role description and apply online