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Although public mental health has rarely been an explicit element of national health policy in England, a range of programmes have contributed to moving it up the agenda. There is a growing movement for recognition of the potential benefits of a population‐wide approach to promoting mental health and well‐being. This paper describes work streams developed since 1997, under the current government, and outlines opportunities for the future.

Suicide and self‐harm are major public health issues. This study aimed to assess how local and national data could be used more effectively in local suicide and self‐harm prevention strategies. Twelve semistructured interviews were carried out with a purposive sample of suicide prevention leads in one strategic health authority area and other key local and regional informants. Although suicide prevention work is supported by data, problems were identified with current processes and data and information availability. Local, regional and national health agencies all have a role in ensuring information is used in the best possible way to reduce self‐harm and suicide.