What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
Every year on 10th September, people around the world come together to raise awareness about how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide.
World Suicide Prevention Day is a chance for us all to support one another, raise awareness, and take action towards preventing suicide.
Samaritans have found in a recent poll found that only 45 per cent of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts, compared to 74 per cent who said they feel comfortable talking about mental health.
People often find it difficult to find the words to discuss suicidal thoughts or the loss of a loved one by suicide. The World Suicide Prevention Day campaign hopes to ensure together, we can find the words to discuss suicide.
To support #WSPD here are some tips from the Samaritans on how to support a change:
- Look out for changes in behaviour that might indicate someone is having suicidal thoughts
- Speak up, and let them know there is support available
- Reach out, and let them know you care
- Help get rid of the stigma – promote open, supportive, non-judgemental discussions
A Samaritans poll revealed that nearly three-quarters (71 per cent) of UK adults are unaware just how many people experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives.
By sharing that suicidal thoughts are more common than people might think, and that talking about suicidal thoughts is helpful, we can help break the stigma surrounding the subject that often prevents people from opening up.
At Future Faces, we want our members to feel safe and supported. If you would like to chat, or someone to listen; our Diversity and Inclusion and Wellbeing working groups are always here for you. We have also shared a helpful list of websites and phonelines to provide specialist support below.
Future Faces wellbeing working group leader Will Crawford says:
“One of the most dangerous elements around suicide is the feeling that no one will listen to you, or even worse, no one will take you seriously. The more we openly talk about suicide the easier it is for people to realise that there is genuine, open, and non-judgmental support out there. We want Future Faces to be a place people can turn to, within our committee we have mental health specialists, wellbeing practitioners, mental health champions and mental health first aiders. We’re here to support you no matter what you need, even if it’s just pointing you in the right direction.”
Key Support & Resources
World Suicide Prevention Day | Campaigns | Samaritans
Need support? Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan
Helplines and listening services - Mind
Call Mind Support Line 0300 102 1234.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 0800 689 5652