WINNER

Surrey and Borders Partnership FT and Samaritans

Samaritans Brief Contact Intervention project

The Samaritans Brief Contact Intervention (BCI) represents a collaborative approach between Samaritans and primary care mental health teams to support people at risk of suicide or self-harm. The initiative provides follow-up calls within 48 hours after patients contact healthcare services, offering timely emotional support through a non-clinical approach.

This intervention aims to improve continuity of care during vulnerable periods, potentially reducing crisis re-presentations to services. Developed jointly by clinicians, patients and volunteers, the BCI complements existing NHS services by providing compassionate support that aligns with the Mental Health Bill 2025’s focus on autonomy, dignity and person-centred care across the system.

Read a detailed case study about this project at HSJ Solutions.

Highly commended

Together for Mental Wellbeing: West Berkshire Breathing Space

Finalists

Guy’s Hospital site - GSTT FT: Transgender and gender diverse healthcare in the Fertility Preservation Service

London North West University Healthcare: Quality Improvement Project: Implementing and monitoring the use of ketamine and droperidol in London North West University Healthcare Emergency Departments

Northumbria Healthcare Trust, North Tyneside specialist CAMHS: Risk Redefined: CAMHS’s Narrative Approach to Assessing and Supporting

One Community Network: One Community - A thriving, vibrant social network

Sheffield Health and Social Care FT: Breaking Silos, Building Solutions: A QI journey to reduce waste and deliver more of what matters to service users and staff

South London and Maudsley FT: Mind and Body Group in Day Services Eating Disorder Recovery

Surrey and Borders Partnership FT: Falls prevention in an older adult mental health ward through a quality improvement initiative

 

Topics

HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2025: Winners revealed