News Pooja’s story – Leading suicide prevention research at M-RIC
Professor Pooja Saini is a leading figure in suicide and self-harm prevention research in the UK. Her career, which has involved impactful studies, community engagement, and collaborative initiatives, has been recognised by various awards*. She has recently joined Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust as Honorary Suicide Prevention Research Lead. As part of her new role, she will be conducting suicide prevention research alongside M-RIC’s population mental health work package.
In this blog, Professor Saini discusses her background and extensive experience in suicide prevention and sets out her ambitions
How I got started in suicide prevention
My journey into suicide prevention began with my PhD at the University of Manchester, where I examined the role of GPs working in primary care in suicide prevention.
The research revealed that many people who have died by suicide had tried to get help from GPs or emergency departments shortly before their deaths. However, often they did not receive adequate support due to not being able to access the right services. This insight highlighted the need for more effective interventions within primary care settings such as GPs and pharmacies.
My research interests include suicide and self-harm prevention, particularly among young people and Black and Asian ethnic minority groups. Another focus is on reducing health inequalities. In all of my research, I see co-production as vital – I ensure that research and interventions are codeveloped with those affected by suicide.
Working together to make a difference
I have shown my commitment to collaboration through the partnerships I’ve made with mental health charities such as James’ Place, Martin Gallier Project and Alfie’s Squad as well as with public health departments and NHS trusts.
I am also a member of the Suicide Prevention Operational Group and Support after Suicide Task Group in Cheshire and Merseyside. We aim to integrate suicide prevention and support for families after suicide (known as postvention) initiatives across community, health and education.
An example I am proud of is my work with James’ Place, a community-based therapeutic service for men in suicidal crisis. Recognising the lack of support for men in crisis during my PhD, I contributed to establishing the first James’ Place centre in Liverpool in 2018. As Lead Researcher for the charity, I have ensured that the service is underpinned by robust research and evaluation. This helps us demonstrate the significant positive outcomes for people using the service such as reduced suicidal thoughts and improved wellbeing.
Research and innovation in suicide prevention
As a Professor of Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), I founded the LJMU Suicide and Self-Harm Research Group within the Institute of Health Research. I also lead several research projects aimed at improving suicide prevention strategies.
Another key example of collaborative working and implementation is the Multimodal Approach to Preventing Suicide in Schools (MAPSS) project. This is a feasibility trial of a school suicide prevention programme for year 10 pupils in the North West. I worked with colleagues in Australia to bring the programme to the UK and co-produced the adaptation of the programme for UK schools. Our group’s research also explores the provision of mental health care for service users with complex needs who are at risk of suicide, emphasising the importance of tailored bespoke interventions and support systems.
Leadership and recognition
Beyond my research, I play a significant role in shaping suicide prevention efforts at both national and international levels as co-chair of the ‘Suicide Prevention in Primary Care’ Special Interest Group within the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). I also collaborate with global colleagues to enhance suicide prevention strategies in primary care, community and school settings.
My work demonstrates the impact of dedicated research, collaboration, and community engagement in addressing complex public health challenges. It continues to inform and improve suicide prevention strategies, offering hope and support to those in crisis.
Hitting the airwaves
Recently I launched a powerful new podcast series in collaboration with Liverpool-based Innobella Media. Let’s Talk Hope: Ending the Stigma around Suicide is now available on all major podcast platforms and aims to break the silence around suicide by offering honest, empathetic conversations with experts, practitioners, and people with lived experience.
It covers a wide range of topics from early intervention and evidence-based prevention strategies to the experiences of people in underserved communities. It is a vital new resource for those affected by suicide and anyone committed to improving mental health support. I hope the series will raise awareness, provide hope and reduce stigma around suicide:
I wanted to create this series to showcase voices of lived experience and those working tirelessly to make a difference. Through this podcast, we hope to reach a wider audience and inspire meaningful, lasting change. Listen here.
Working with M-RIC
I am looking forward to working with M-RIC and partners from across local regions on innovative suicide prevention initiatives.
I will be working alongside the Zero Suicide Alliance and Suicide Prevention Leads across the NHS and local authorities on both prevention and early intervention to reduce suicide rates, improve support for people who have self-harmed and improve support for people bereaved by suicide. In line with the National Suicide Prevention Strategy published in 2022, we will continue to test and implement suicide prevention interventions within health, community and education settings.
On 5 June, I’m excited to host an event in Liverpool launching my work with M-RIC and the start of a collaborative national campaign alongside the Grassroots Suicide Prevention charity. Make sure you visit the M-RIC website in the coming months to read my blog documenting the event afterwards and our innovative plans for the campaign.
*Prof Pooja Saini has been recognised through various awards, including two international journal awards (2015; 2022), the North West Coast Innovation Awards 2025 and National Asian Women Achievement Award for world-leading research in public health in 2018 and 2024.