Suicide is the most devastating outcome of depression, so any programme tackling depression should encompass effective strategies for suicide prevention. Prevention of suicide is complex, however, as it may have multiple causes that must be understood and addressed at the individual, social, clinical and policy levels. This is the third in a series of briefs based on a policy report entitled A sustainable approach to depression: moving from words to actions. This brief considers the need for joined-up policies to tackle suicide prevention.