World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September)

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on Tuesday 10 September. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and the steps we can take both to prevent it and reduce the stigma surrounding it. 

According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 5,579 suicides registered in England in 2023. Approximately 115 people die by suicide in the UK each week. Further research has revealed that as many as 10% could be work-related. 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England believe that suicide is preventable through education and intervention, and are calling on workplaces to embed suicide awareness, prevention and support in their mental health and wellbeing strategies. 

Below you can find a guide to supporting someone who is experiencing suicide thoughts and behaviour. Please take a few moments out of your day to read it through.  

Learn to recognise warning signs

• Watch out for changes in personality and behaviour
• People putting their affairs in order

Don't be afraid to ask someone

• Asking somebody if they are thinking of suicide won't make them more likely to have those thoughts
• It's the most important question to ask

Listening helps people know you care

• You don't need to have all the answers
• Thank them for sharing their feelings
• Express empathy, even if you don't understand their behaviour or point of view

Know what to do in a crisis

• If someone is at immediate risk of suicide, dial 999
• If someone is having thoughts of suicide, encourage them to call Samaritans on 116 123 or text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

Keep checking in

• Improvement does not mean that the risk of suicide is over
• Most suicides occur within three months of the onset period of improvement
• Suicide thoughts and behaviour can return at any point

Boundaries

• Never agree to keep suicidal thoughts or behaviour confidential
• You may need to speak to others to ensure a person's safety

Look after yourself

• Practice self-care following a suicide crisis
• Seek professional help if needed

You can also access further resources on the MFHA website.