Written by Ellie Green
What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with WHO (World Health Organisation). World Suicide Prevention Day falls on 10th September every year, the day focusses attention on the topic, with the aim to reduce stigma and raise awareness of suicide. This year, the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day was ‘Creating Hope through Action’, this theme was chosen to remind individuals that there are alternatives to suicide and that there is light within us all. By creating hope through action, we can provide hope to those experiencing suicidal thoughts and we can show that we care and support them through this time.
Why is celebrating World Suicide Prevention Day important?
The latest statistics relating to suicide suggest that in one given year approximately 6,800 people lose their life through suicide. We know that suicide is preventable, but mental health is still widely stigmatised, so we can use this time to reduce this stigma. More facts about suicide include:
- The suicide rate amongst females under 25 has risen by 93.8% since 2012, reaching it’s highest in 2019 (in England and Wales)
- Men and Women aged 45-49 have the highest suicide rates in England and Wales.
- In 2020, 6248 people took their own lives, 5224 in England and Wales, 805 in Scotland and 219 in Northern Ireland.
(Statistics have been pulled from www.mentalhealth.org.uk)
What Leicester Life Links did to support World Suicide Prevention Day 2022
Here at Leicester Life Links we supported World Suicide Prevention Day 2022 by offering a Recovery Education Workshop to the general public, people that we support and partnering organisations. The aim of this workshop was to educate individuals about World Suicide Prevention Day, raise awareness of suicide and suicidal thoughts and to reduce stigma associated with suicide and mental health experiences. We explored topics such as:
- Early Warning Signs
- Risk Factors
- Prevention Tips
- Tools and techniques
- Tension Scaling
- Self-Compassion
- Organisations that can support
Samaritans – The Samaritans offer support by listening to people with suicidal thoughts, feelings, and plans. They can help through a difficult situation, help them make sense of what they are feeling and identify other forms of help. Their helpline below is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Telephone – 116 123
Turning Point (Mental Health Central Access Point)– Turning Point provide a 24/7 crisis line where they can provide support. They also provide crisis houses for individuals who are feeling in crisis due to their mental wellbeing. Telephone – 0808 800 3302
CALM – CALM offer support by listening to anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems through their helpline and webchat. They also support those bereaved by suicide. Their services are available from 5pm – midnight all year around. Telephone – 0800 585858
Papyrus – Papyrus provide a Hopeline, supporting children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide. They also provide information for anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide. Telephone – 0800 068 4141
SaneLine Services – SaneLine aims to raise awareness of all mental health experiences. They aim to combat stigma relating to mental health and they fight to improve frontline services for all. Further, they aim to provide support, information and guidance in various ways including through their helpline ‘SaneLine’, email, ongoing support services, text care and online forums. SaneLine is available 365 days per year between the hours of 4pm-10pm. Telephone – 0300 304 7000
Stay Alive – Suicide Prevention App – The Stay Alive App is a pocket-sized suicide prevention resource that is accessible to all, the app is filled with useful information to help individuals stay well. People can use it if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts or if they are concerns about another individual. The app includes: a safety plan, reasons for living exercises and a life box where you can store photos that are meaningful to you! The Stay Alive app is free to download onto any Apple iPhone or Android, just type in ‘Stay Alive’ and look for the logo below!
It is also important to encourage people (where possible) to speak to their GP or call 111 about their mental wellbeing or if a person is at immediate risk call 999/112.
