Torbay council’s public health department has audited suicides since 2009. With the support of the local coroner, this has produced a wealth of information that has enabled better targeting of efforts to prevent suicide in the local area. Although the information produced reflects national trends, innovative community work was necessary to support the primary healthcare team once risk factors had been considered. Breaking through the myths and the stigma concerning suicide is necessary to understand that it is preventable. Few people who take their lives have contact with mental health services before they die, so the focus of prevention must rest with the GP and primary healthcare team.