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This is not simply a campaign about raising awareness. It is about challenging the preventable deaths that can occur when structural racism, institutional racism and other forms of inequality shape people's experiences of mental health support, crisis care and suicide prevention.
The campaign begins with my own lived experience of suicidality, surviving suicide attempts and being bereaved by suicide, but it is not my story alone. It is a growing movement bringing together people with lived experience, families, communities, researchers, practitioners, charities and organisations who believe racialised voices should sit at the heart of suicide prevention, not on the sidelines.
Our ambition is simple. We want the next national suicide prevention strategy to have racialised lived experience woven throughout it, not as an optional extra, but as an essential foundation for creating fairer, more compassionate and more effective support.
This is an emergent campaign. We are allowing it to grow with the people who become part of it. Every story shared, every conversation held and every new partnership helps shape where we go next.
Building the Space: Amplifying racialised voices in suicide prevention
I'm Isaac, from East London, and Building the Space is one of the most personal pieces of work I've ever led.
The campaign launched on 1 June, my 45th birthday. What started as a year-long campaign has already become something much bigger than I imagined.
At its heart, Building the Space asks a difficult but necessary question. How many lives could have been saved if racialised people had been listened to, believed and supported in ways that recognised the realities of racism and inequality?
Illustration: Cameron Pattinson
Current campaigns
What we've built together
Current campaigns
What we've built together
Building the Space: Amplifying racialised voices in suicide prevention
I'm Isaac, from East London, and Building the Space is one of the most personal pieces of work I've ever led.
The campaign launched on 1 June, my 45th birthday. What started as a year-long campaign has already become something much bigger than I imagined.
At its heart, Building the Space asks a difficult but necessary question. How many lives could have been saved if racialised people had been listened to, believed and supported in ways that recognised the realities of racism and inequality?
Illustration: Cameron Pattinson
This is not simply a campaign about raising awareness. It is about challenging the preventable deaths that can occur when structural racism, institutional racism and other forms of inequality shape people's experiences of mental health support, crisis care and suicide prevention.
The campaign begins with my own lived experience of suicidality, surviving suicide attempts and being bereaved by suicide, but it is not my story alone. It is a growing movement bringing together people with lived experience, families, communities, researchers, practitioners, charities and organisations who believe racialised voices should sit at the heart of suicide prevention, not on the sidelines.
Our ambition is simple. We want the next national suicide prevention strategy to have racialised lived experience woven throughout it, not as an optional extra, but as an essential foundation for creating fairer, more compassionate and more effective support.
This is an emergent campaign. We are allowing it to grow with the people who become part of it. Every story shared, every conversation held and every new partnership helps shape where we go next.
I'm Isaac, from East London, and Building the Space is one of the most personal pieces of work I've ever led.
The campaign launched on 1 June, my 45th birthday. What started as a year-long campaign has already become something much bigger than I imagined.
At its heart, Building the Space asks a difficult but necessary question. How many lives could have been saved if racialised people had been listened to, believed and supported in ways that recognised the realities of racism and inequality?
Illustration: Cameron Pattinson
This is not simply a campaign about raising awareness. It is about challenging the preventable deaths that can occur when structural racism, institutional racism and other forms of inequality shape people's experiences of mental health support, crisis care and suicide prevention.
The campaign begins with my own lived experience of suicidality, surviving suicide attempts and being bereaved by suicide, but it is not my story alone. It is a growing movement bringing together people with lived experience, families, communities, researchers, practitioners, charities and organisations who believe racialised voices should sit at the heart of suicide prevention, not on the sidelines.
Our ambition is simple. We want the next national suicide prevention strategy to have racialised lived experience woven throughout it, not as an optional extra, but as an essential foundation for creating fairer, more compassionate and more effective support.
This is an emergent campaign. We are allowing it to grow with the people who become part of it. Every story shared, every conversation held and every new partnership helps shape where we go next.
Building the Space: Amplifying racialised voices in suicide prevention
Illustration: Cameron Pattinson
Current campaigns
What we've built together
Get involved
There is a place for everyone.
Whether you have lived experience, work in research or practice, are part of a community organisation, or simply believe that every life matters equally, we'd love you to join us.
You can:
Share your story when it feels safe to do so.
Become a campaign partner or supporter.
Attend our events and conversations.
Share our films, blogs and resources.
Help us influence policy, practice and research.
Start conversations in your own communities.
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Follow the journey
We'll continue sharing stories, blogs, podcasts, films and reflections as the campaign develops. We'll also share opportunities to get involved, new partnerships, learning and the impact the campaign is making.
Together, we can create a future where racialised voices are no longer missing from suicide prevention, but are recognised as essential to building systems that save lives.
Because the people closest to the pain are often the people closest to the solutions.
Projects that made a difference
Understanding Anti-Racism in Co-Production
Collecting 40+ stories from racialised and global majority individuals about their experience of co-production. This research revealed a truth the sector doesn't always want to hear: not everyone has the same access to co-production, and racism and ableism continue to shape whose voices are heard. The work has evolved into supporting 30 people to develop skills in co-production and storytelling.
Not Another Co-Production Cookbook text
A practical guide to co-production drawn from communities across Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and North East London. Rather than theory or prescriptive models, this cookbook offers real recipes from people who've done the work, tested them in their own contexts and are willing to share what actually works. Designed to be adapted freely by other communities.
Racialised Voices in Suicide Prevention
A campaign centring the lived experiences of racialised communities in suicide prevention work. Rather than focusing only on crisis and darkness, this work celebrates everyday moments of triumph, community, joy and care. Using blogs, YouTube, stories, poems and diverse communication methods, it creates representation and hope for racialised people struggling with mental health, bereaved families, and communities too often invisible in the conversation.
The Value of Co-Production
Evidence and insights into why genuine co-production creates better outcomes, stronger relationships and more equitable systems. Rather than assuming co-production is valuable, this work makes the case rigorously, showing how organisations that truly share power see real shifts in how people experience services and how communities experience change.
The work in action
Sometimes you need to see it to believe it. Here's what the work looks like when it's happening — in rooms, at events, with people. Real conversations, real change.
In my own words
You've probably heard me say this, but I'd rather show you. These clips are from interviews, podcasts and conversations. Watch how the work actually happens, and what it feels like to be in the room.
A 3-minute conversation with Isaac Samuels
Spend three minutes with Isaac as they reflect on the everyday moments, values and lived experiences that shape their work. This informal conversation offers a glimpse into a life dedicated to creating change through relationships, compassion and meaningful human connection.
Good care and me - what really matters
Good care is about far more than services or support. In this honest conversation, Isaac explores what good care looks and feels like from the perspective of someone with lived experience, highlighting the importance of dignity, choice, kindness and genuine human relationships.
Skills for care
Personalisation is more than a policy or a buzzword. Isaac shares what it means personally to receive support that reflects who you are, why training and development matter, and how organisations can create services that truly put people at the heart of decision making.
Influencing Policy and Systems
When I was in hospital, Isaac was there for me every step of the way. They didn't just help me leave hospital. They supported me to find a safe home, navigate my finances and access the social care I desperately needed. Throughout the challenges of COVID, when support was harder than ever to access, Isaac never stopped believing in me. Their compassion, determination and kindness changed my life, and I'll always be grateful.
Jiten Vadher - Community Member, Peer Support Space for Racialised People
Influencing Policy and Systems
I've had the privilege of working alongside Isaac on anti-racism work, and what stands out most is their courage and integrity. Isaac works tirelessly to create fairer systems and safer spaces for everyone. They never shy away from speaking up against injustice, even when it's difficult or unpopular. Their leadership is rooted in kindness, humility and a genuine commitment to equity. Working with Isaac has inspired me to be braver, listen more deeply and always put people first.
Amina Okafor - Co-production Lead, Local Authority
Influencing Policy and Systems
Isaac brings a powerful combination of strategic insight, lived experience expertise and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for people and communities. They have a unique ability to connect policy, practice and lived experience, helping organisations ensure that decision-making is informed by the people most affected. Their thoughtful approach, collaborative style and ability to navigate complexity make them a trusted partner in driving meaningful and sustainable change.
Ian McGrath - Senior Leader and Policy Influencer
Anti-Racism, Co-Production and Facilitation
Isaac is a skilled facilitator and a respected leader in anti-racist co-production. They create environments where people feel able to contribute openly, explore different perspectives and engage in honest conversations about power, participation and inclusion. Their approach combines creativity, authenticity and a deep commitment to equity, supporting individuals and organisations to move from intention to action.
Nicola Hutchinson-Pascal - Co-Production Collective
Lived Experience Leadership and Relationships
Isaac demonstrates the very best of lived experience leadership. They build strong relationships, create opportunities for meaningful participation and ensure that people's experiences are recognised as valuable forms of expertise. Their ability to bring people together, foster trust and champion inclusion helps create spaces where individuals feel respected, valued and able to influence change.
Jacqui Darlington - Co-Chair, Individual Employers and Personal Assistants (IEPA) Steering Group, Skills for Care
What I stand for
Everything I do flows from these four values. They shape how I show up in rooms, how I work with organisations, and how I think about power, change and justice. They're not something I say — they're something I practice, every day.
Authenticity
I bring my full and authentic self to all of my work and celebrate the richness that this brings.
I believe people connect through honesty, humanity and vulnerability, not perfection.
Transparency
I am committed to being open, honest and transparent in my work, my relationships and my learning.
Trust is built through openness, not assumptions.
Accountability
I hold myself and others accountable for working against all forms of oppression.
Creating change requires courage, reflection and a willingness to challenge ourselves as well as the systems around us.
Learning
I bring humility, curiosity and an open mind to every piece of work.
None of us know everything, and growth happens when we remain willing to listen, learn and evolve.