World Suicide Prevention Day 2024

Every year on 10 September, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness about how we can work together to create a world where fewer people die by suicide. 

World Suicide Prevention Day is a chance for us all to come together, raise awareness, and take meaningful steps towards preventing suicide and supporting those who may be struggling to cope. 

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. 

How to help someone open up:

• Choose a safe, quiet space, give the other person your full attention and put away your phone.
• Ask how they’re doing, using open questions that need more than a yes or no answer, such as “How do you feel?” or “What’s that like for you?” 
• Listen without judgement and try not to jump straight in with your advice or opinions. 
• Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts. It gives them permission to tell you how they feel. 
• Let them know that there is always someone there to listen. They can call Samaritans free day or night on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. 

What should people Do to help? 

• Watch out for changes in behaviour that could mean someone’s struggling to cope. 
•  Speak up to let someone know that there is support available. 
•  Play your part by reaching out to anyone you’re concerned about. 
•  Ditch the stigma – suicidal thoughts are far more common than most people know – so let’s talk about it!