Innovative project: Keeping people safe Helping people to stay alive Emma Paisley explains how a new app called Stay Alive is helping people in times of crisis across Hertfordshire About the author In 2017, 69 people took their lives in Hertfordshire. Spot the Signs and Save a Life is a campaign that aims to make the county a place where no-one feels suicide is their only option. To this end, we provide training courses and direct people to the mental health services available across Hertfordshire. Our latest project is an app called Stay Alive, which we’ve adapted for our area and, with the support of Eastern AHSN, rolled out in the county to help reduce suicide rates. The app is aimed at people experiencing mental health difficulties, or having thoughts of suicide, and those concerned about someone who may be considering suicide. Stay Alive features tools and information, including the contact details of emergency and support services in Hertfordshire, to keep people safe in times of crisis. Essentially, the app is a new, convenient channel through which people can find help. Our partnership with Eastern AHSN was established after their suicide prevention innovation exchange event in November 2018. Through this collaboration, we received vital communications expertise, which helped us promote Stay Alive to hard to reach audiences and run a very successful launch event. Together with the team at Eastern AHSN we co-produced a strong, detailed plan and a robust evaluation process to help us ensure we are getting the most out of the app and making a real difference for patients. ● You can read more about Stay Alive here: bit.ly/StayAliveHerts About the author Emma Paisley is project manager, Spot the Signs and Save a Life, Mindin Mid-Hertfordshire