Sometimes the hardest words to say are the most important.
What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO) aimed at reaching national organisations, governments and the general public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.
WSPD continues to grow year on year, with recent years seeing the day observed in more than 60 countries with hundreds of events ranging from educational and commemorative events to press briefings and public conferences.
Impact and Statistics
‘Suicide rates in England and Wales are at their highest point in more than 20 years’ – MIND, September 2024.
The ONS (Office for National Statistics) data released in September 2024 shows that suicide rates registered in England and Wales last year were the highest in more than two decades, a statistic even worse than was expected.
You can find these statistics and further reports on the Samaritans website here.
The Samaritans
The Samaritans collaborate with over 70 different suicide prevention and mental health organisations every year as part of the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA). They encourage governments in the United Kingdom and Ireland to make suicide prevention a top priority and to help raise awareness about how we can better support one another.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, we want to show everyone that talking about difficult feelings, including suicidal thoughts, doesn’t have to be scary.
A recent poll found that only 45% of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts, compared to 74% who said they feel comfortable talking about mental health.
We want to change this. By talking more openly about suicide, we can give people the chance to express how they feel and get the support they need. It could even save a life.
You can call the Samaritans 24/7 confidentially and for free on 116 123
Small Talk Saves Lives
You have all the experience you need to help save a life
If you feel something isn’t quite right and you think someone might need help, trust your instincts and start a conversation. You could save a life.
How to help someone open up
We know how hard it can be to find the right words to talk openly about how we’re feeling. But when someone is dealing with difficult thoughts or worries, having someone there to listen can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you talk to someone you’re worried about:
• Choose a safe, quiet space, give the other person your full attention and put away your phone.
• Ask how they’re doing, using open questions that need more than a yes or no answer, such as “How do you feel?” or “What’s that like for you?”
• Listen without judgement and try not to jump straight in with your advice or opinions.
• Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts. It gives them permission to tell you how they feel.
• Let them know that there is always someone there to listen. They can call Samaritans free day or night on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for other ways to contact us.
• Remember to look after yourself, Samaritans is here to support you too.
(Resources shared by Samaritans for Suicide Prevention Day 2024)
Further support – Hub of Hope
The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time.
To date, the Hub of Hope has directed hundreds of thousands of people to life-changing and even life-saving support and it is now the UK’s go-to mental health support signposting tool, with thousands of local, regional and national support groups and services listed.
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