World Suicide Prevention Day – 10th September 2024

The way we talk about suicide matters  

WHAT IS WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY?

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

 

WHEN IS WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY?

World Suicide Prevention Suicide Day is always on 10 September.

 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The latest suicides statistics showed that in 2018, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, more than 6,800 people died by suicide. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. And we know that suicide is preventable, it’s not inevitable. But not being OK is still widely stigmatised. And governments can still make better, more ambitious plans to prevent suicide.

 

WHAT DO SAMARITANS DO?

Every year we campaign with over 70 other suicide prevention and mental health groups under the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA). Together, we ask governments in the UK and Ireland to make suicide prevention a priority. This World Suicide Prevention Day, we're highlighting the importance of the language we use when we talk about suicide, especially when asking someone you're worried about if they're suicidal. It’s important to talk and write about suicide safely and responsibly. Using the right language around suicide is key to breaking down stigma. When we use our words carefully we can create a safe environment for people to open up.

People who have been suicidal have often said it is a relief to talk about thoughts they are experiencing. Just being there to listen and showing you care can help. If they want to talk to someone else about how they are feeling, they can call Samaritans.

  Find out more information about how  to start a conversation and more helpful information via the link; World Suicide Prevention Day | Campaigns | Samaritans Read the facts and figures via the link; Suicide facts and figures | Our policy and research | Samartians (samaritans.org)