World Suicide Prevention Day
Following a multi-agency discussion it was agreed that we shouldn’t just approach World Suicide Prevention Day as a one off, but as the starting point for a programme of works aiming to raise awareness around suicide, support and prevention that would encourage people to be able to talk about suicide and feel confident in doing so. A Call to Action for us all.
Every year, more than 800,000 people take their own lives across the world. In the UK and Republic of Ireland alone, an average of 18 people die by suicide every day. That’s more than 6,000 people a year (Samaritans 2018.)
Reaching out to people who are going through a difficult time can save lives. Just having the opportunity to talk to friends, colleagues or family, feel listened to and be reassured that it's ok to talk can make a huge difference in the life of someone who is struggling.
There are a number of local services and resources you can access to help approach the topic of suicide with more confidence and please do what you can to promote this within your own networks as part of our call to action so we can reach as many people as possible.
Further information available via the links below:
Kooth- Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people
Papyrus – Prevention of young suicide
The Big White Wall- is an online mental health and wellbeing service
Childline – Online, on the phone, anytime.