World Suicide Prevention Day
05 Sep 2023
Suicide awareness and prevention training sessions on Friday 8 September
In the UK, over 6,000 people die by suicide every year and one in five of us will experience suicidal thoughts.
Sunday, 10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day which brings together organisations and communities to raise awareness to support a world where fewer people die by suicide.
On Friday 8 September, The Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) in partnership with Mersey Cares is hosting a free online train-a-thon ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day, providing information on suicide awareness and prevention.
Online suicide awareness training sessions on Friday 8 September
• Morning session - 10.00 to 11.30am (GMT)
• Afternoon session - 1.00 to 2.30pm (GMT)
• Evening session - 6.30 to 8pm (GMT)
This year, for World Suicide Prevention Day The Samaritans are highlighting the importance of the language we use when we talk about suicide, particularly when asking someone you’re worried about if they are suicidal.
It is key to talk and write about suicide safely and responsibly, as using the right language around suicide can help to break down stigma and create a safe environment for people to open up.
People who have been suicidal have often said it is a relief to talk about the thoughts they are experiencing. Having someone there to listen and showing that they care can make a real difference. Starting a conversation with someone who you are worried might be experiencing suicidal thoughts can be daunting, but there is lots of helpful tools available and organisations you can signpost to for professional support, such as the Samaritans.
Tips for helping someone open up
The Samaritans have produced a tips sheet for ‘helping someone open up when something’s up.’
Where to get help
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, or looking to signpost someone, the following services are available:
Important: If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to your closest Accident and Emergency department
• Samaritans – 24hrs a day, 365 days a year, 116 123, Contact Us | Samaritans
• SANEline – 4pm – 10pm, 365 days a year, 0300 304 7000, SANEline services - SANE
• Find a local NHS Mental health helpline in England: Mental Health Helpline for Urgent Help - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• If you need help urgently for your mental health, but it's not an emergency, call 111
Support for those affected by suicide
If you have been affected by suicide, the following services may be able to offer support:
Greater Manchester Bereavement service: find bereavement support local to you. Suicide bereavement specific support is available in some areas.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) Support, information, help by email, support groups and a national helpline: 0300 111 5065, 9am-9pm Monday-Friday.
Cruse Bereavement Care Help for anyone experiencing bereavement to understand their grief and cope with their loss, with free and confidential support. Helpline: 0808 808 1677, open Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5pm, Weekends 10am – 2pm.
Child Bereavement UK Support and advice for bereaved families. Helpline 0800 02 888 40, open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Grief Encounter Supporting bereaved children and their families in the UK get the best possible help, recognition and understanding following their loss. Monday-Friday 9 am-9pm Helpline: 0808 802 0111
More information
There are lots of helpful free resources available to help you learn more about talking about suicide and building confidence in supporting someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts.
• Zero Suicide Alliance provide a detailed resource library
• Samaritans: Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts
• Papyrus: have information and advice on how to support a young person experiencing suicidal thoughts.