Real time surveillance is one element of the concept Real Time Data. It refers to the collection of anonymised data across an area, to map a picture of what is happening in that area. It can be used to identify clusters in methods or locations of suicides, or perhaps in a certain demographic of people. It has been used to rapidly respond to trends in suicide and is vital to effective suicide prevention.
The other element of Real Time Data is Real time Referral; the collection of data about a person who is accessing suicide bereavement services. This is done with consent from the individual and may be taken by police and passed on to suicide bereavement support services, to facilitate proactive support. The information may include the name of the person, how they have been bereaved, and any support they might need. Real Time Referral is vital for providing proactive support.
To find out more about developing real-time data (surveillance and referral), you can visit our resource hub, or
read the Real Time Surveillance page