In 2022, there were around 5,642 suicides in England and Wales (Office for National Statistics, 2022). Despite the availability of services (for example, extensive patient referral pathways that span community mental health services/teams, crisis support, etc.), there are ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable access to mental health support (NHS, 2021; NHS England, n.d.). This evaluation aimed to assess the Stay Alive app, a suicide prevention resource offered by Grassroots Suicide Prevention. Specifically, the evaluation aimed to evaluate the impact of Stay Alive on preventing suicide, improving pathway navigation and assessing user engagement and satisfaction.
Qualitative survey data from a 2024 survey was analysed, alongside anonymised 2023 quantitative data from Stay Alive which was collected through the Grassroots Suicide Prevention Google Analytics dashboard (app data).
App reach and user engagement
As demographic data points were not mandatory in the app data, it is difficult to clearly define the Stay Alive user base. From available 2024 survey data, most respondents (54%) reported using the app for themselves as opposed for someone else. Moreover, the app appeared to be reaching some cohorts affected by suicide; however, the perceptions of younger people and people who identify as male may be underrepresented. Engagement rates decreased rapidly following app installation and app usage could be considered periodic. This was to be expected given the value proposition of the app (i.e., instant access in times of need) and could highlight that the app was effective in providing support to individuals.
Effectiveness of the app in preventing suicide
Survey data showed that Stay Alive could contribute towards the effective prevention of suicide; most individuals remained safe from suicide (76%), with Stay Alive facilitating open conversation (73%) and tackling stigma around suicide (93%).
In 2024, the resource most used for self-management and coping strategies was the Safety Plan.
Effectiveness in improving ease in navigability of pathway
The Stay Alive app provides a variety of signposted external resources. Survey data indicated that most respondents used national crisis support (41%) and local crisis support resources (60%). However, app data indicated that Metanoia (4%) and the CALM helpline (19%) were used the most during the data collection period. Whilst resources may help users navigate available services, it is inconclusive as to whether the app enables collaboration of services across the healthcare sector.
User experience
The majority of 2024 survey respondents demonstrated positive feelings regarding the app’s overall experience (89%). Across all cohorts, the Safety Plan was deemed the most useful internal feature. Moreover, 86% of 2024 survey respondents felt positive about the way information was provided and worded. Similarly, the app was considered accessible; 86% of 2024 survey respondents scored the app’s accessibility as ‘good’ or ‘very good’, potentially enabling access to care for those who might not otherwise seek it.
Current data may not be entirely representative of all app users. Despite this, findings suggest that Stay Alive supported suicide prevention.
Most 2024 survey respondents felt that the app had helped them, or the person they were supporting to stay safe from suicide, increase their knowledge, reduce suicidal stigma, and heighten their feelings of support. User satisfaction was high, with positive feedback from respondents’ overall experience of the app, app design, and accessibility.
“I was recommended Stay Alive by the crisis team… I have benefitted massively from using support like this and I’m really thankful to have access.”
“If you’re suicidal, the Stay Alive app is what you need. Trust me, I know.”
“This is the next best thing to a friend sitting with me, holding my hand when I am down and out.”
Our Impact
This evaluation will support Grassroots Suicide Prevention in their case for securing further funding as the findings demonstrate the real impacts that the Stay Alive app has on its users.
“The evaluation provides us with incredibly valuable insights into the ways that Stay Alive is helping people to stay safe from suicide, what is really working, and the areas we can improve and develop further. In turn, having an independent evaluation helps us demonstrate to potential funders that Stay Alive is a powerful resource which is having real world, life-saving impact.”
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