World Suicide Prevention Day
09 Sep 2024
Raising awareness of suicide and supporting those affected by it
Tuesday, 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.
In the UK, over 6,000 people die by suicide every year and one in five of us will experience suicidal thoughts.
The Samaritans have highlighted in 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. The Samaritans are campaigning 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. They have detailed on their webpages advice on spotting the signs someone is struggling, how to approach the conversation and where to signpost for support.
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)
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