As the Director of Public Health for East Sussex, I am responsible for the health, wellbeing and protection of all residents of the county and all who work within or visit. East Sussex is a coastal county, famous for the Battle of Hastings, and our coast benefits from this history as well as its unparalleled beauty and culture. However, the coast also brings us the challenges of economic deprivation, the impacts of climate change and, uniquely, a location known globally for deaths by suicide.

Suicide prevention is an important part of my role, and I wish to understand how similar locations in San Francisco and Sydney brought about a reduction in deaths through the action of members of the public and their campaigns and activism.

As a survivor of a suicide attempt myself and having lost people in my wider family and social circles to suicide, including at this location, I have personal insight into the complexities and sensitivities of this topic. Through this Fellowship, I hope to facilitate community-led change to improve safety and reduce suicides at the location, to create a new narrative of positivity, wellbeing and support, and to bring hope to those in crisis.