Open up the conversation, shape the school culture, and take action on student mental health – with CALM by your side.
From September 2026, suicide prevention lessons will become a compulsory part of the school curriculum in England. This means all secondary schools will be required to teach students about suicide prevention as part of the wider education programme.
Because it’s needed. Young people’s mental health is a national priority. Suicide is the leading cause of death for 15-39 year olds in the UK - and that can’t be ignored. These lessons are about giving students the tools to understand their wellbeing, talk openly about tough stuff, and know where to get support - for themselves or someone else.
The government is currently working on developing the content. While the full curriculum details are expected to be announced closer to 2026, schools will likely integrate suicide prevention into existing PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education. Before teaching suicide prevention lessons, schools are advised to work with mental health professionals and make sure staff are well prepared through appropriate training.
It’s completely understandable to worry about this, but talking about suicide carefully and sensitively doesn’t encourage those thoughts. In fact, honest conversations can help reduce stigma, make young people feel less alone, and encourage them to reach out for support when they need it. When suicide prevention lessons are delivered with the right guidance, they create a safe space where students can ask questions and learn how to take care of themselves and each other. These open conversations can really help young people feel supported and understood.
Introducing these lessons takes careful planning. Schools can start thinking about how they want to approach the lessons to ensure they’re safe and sensitively handled, and so teachers and support staff are adequately trained. Schools may be able to begin the conversations sooner, but lessons will become compulsory from September 2026.
Right now, we don’t have all the details. However, we hope that lessons will cover things like understanding your emotions, spotting when someone might be in distress, and knowing how to get help for yourself or a friend. The aim is to create a safe, supportive space where young people feel confident talking about mental health and suicide - because at CALM, we know those kinds of conversations can genuinely save lives. The focus will be on providing young people with practical tools and support - not on graphic or detailed information.
You don’t have to be an expert to get this right - and you don’t have to do it alone. Our resources below are clear, practical, and designed to support you every step of the way, with easy-to-follow materials that build your confidence in leading sensitive conversations.
With CALM’s support, you’ll be ready when it matters most.
The C.A.R.E. Kit is a practical, teacher-friendly toolkit made up of three easy-to-use modules to help you support young people in your school - from opening up conversations around mental health to knowing what to do in a crisis.
Each module is built around four vital suicide prevention actions:
Check-in, Ask, Remain close, and Expert help.
"The kit is really easy to use. It's very step by step, and it offers a really great way of practicing how to have some really difficult conversations in a safe environment. It definitely helps give teachers more confidence."
Will, Director of Pastoral Education and Research
We work directly with schools to explore what suicide prevention and mental health support can look like in your community. From resources to fundraising ideas, training opportunities to whole-school approaches - we want to help you make a lasting impact.
Let’s shape the future of mental health support in your school – together.
Fundraising ideas for schools
Ditch the uniform for the day for bold hoodies, wild socks, or even some cosy PJs and show your support for CALM. Donate to join in and make your outfit count.
Let the house rivalries begin! From football matches to quiz-offs to tug-of-war, get your school teams competing for glory while making a real difference with CALM.
Who said teachers can’t join the fun? Step up, take a pie in the face, and help turn big laughs into support for CALM. The sillier, the better.
Who doesn’t love cake? Whip up some delicious treats for your school and put everyone’s sweet tooth to good use. Why not create a recipe book to sell so everyone can take a slice home?
Get moving, have fun, and make a difference! From obstacle courses to sack races to relays - students, staff, and even parents can join in and celebrate wellbeing while supporting CALM.
The CALM Services Directory includes many other organisations and charities to support students' mental health such as:
Childline - helpline and resources for children and young people.
The Mix - advice and support for under 25s.
Papyrus - prevention of young suicide in the UK.
