‘Changing the narrative’ this World Suicide Prevention Day

Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700,000 deaths each year globally, and many more making suicide attempts.

A life is lost through suicide every two hours in the UK, but suicidal thoughts and feelings affect thousands of us every single day.

Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2021.

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 hosted by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and provides the opportunity for people to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. The theme for 2024 to 2025 is: ‘Changing the narrative’.

Suicide can affect every one of us. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma and encouraging action we can help to reduce the instances of suicide around the world. Every chat, no matter how small, builds a more supportive and understanding society. Together, we can make a difference and prioritise suicide prevention, ensuring everyone gets the help they need.

IASP states: “Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue. It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy, and support. Changing the narrative on suicide aims to inspire individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support.”

Here’s how you can change the narrative on suicide:

• Check in with loved ones – taking time to reach out to someone in your community, a family member, friend, colleague or even a stranger – could change the course of another’s life. 
• Keep informed – consider accessing training opportunities in suicide prevention and awareness to identify and support those with suicidal thoughts and behaviour. 
• Share your story – individuals who have survived a suicide attempt or experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide often have valuable insights and can help us understand how the words and actions of others can be important. 
• Advocate for mental health awareness – promote mental health awareness within your community.

According to the Samaritans, a recent poll found that only 45 per cent of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts, compared to 74 per cent who said they feel comfortable talking about mental health. By talking more openly about suicide, we can give people the chance to express how they feel and get the support they need. It could even save a life.

Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said: “Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families and communities, and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind.

“Support is available, and there are people who are ready to listen, understand, and help you navigate through this difficult time. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it is a courageous and important step toward recovery. Your life has value, and there is hope, even if it may not feel that way right now. There are a number of local services available to help. Please reach out to our local services. There is a path forward, and you do not have to do it alone.”

Light a candle:

Light a candle near a window at 8pm on Wednesday 10 September to show your support for suicide prevention to remember a lost loved one and for the survivors of suicide.

Samaritans advice – what should people do?

• Watch out for changes in behaviour that could mean someone is having suicidal thoughts
• Speak up to let someone know 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!

Get the training and help save a life:

Anyone can suffer from suicidal thoughts but every one of us can make a difference.

The #TalkSuicide campaign has been created by the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership to reduce the stigma around talking about suicide by raising awareness of free suicide prevention training available from the Zero Suicide Alliance.

The suicide prevention training is free and you can get it done on your lunch break – it takes only 20 minutes to complete.

You’ll learn how to:

See: Identify the signs of when someone might be suffering from suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

Say: Feel comfortable speaking out about suicide in a supportive manner.

Signpost: Signpost anyone suffering to the correct services and support.

Take the training. Save a life. #TALKSuicide

talksuicide.co.uk

If you are struggling, help is available:

• Are you in crisis? Call 01472 256256, option 3, for mental health support. They are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. www.navigocare.co.uk 
• SHOUT – Text ORANGE to 25858 at any time of day or night
• Samaritans – Call 116 123 or email [email protected]
• Papyrus HOPELINE – Call 0800 068 4141 or text 88247 – support for children and young people up to the age of 35.

For a list of services available, visit Mental and emotional health | NELC.

Support for children and young people:

Children’s mental health – Every Mind Matters – NHS

• Kooth: an online mental health and wellbeing platform available to young people in North East Lincolnshire, aged 11-25. Free, safe, and anonymous support. Find out more: www.kooth.com.
• Young Minds Matter: North East Lincolnshire’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Duty Line 01472 626100 – 9am and 5pm – Monday to Friday. Outside these hours contact SPA – 256256, option 3.
• CompassGO – Mental Health Support Teams in Schools Compass GO… North East Lincolnshire Mental Health Support Teams – Compass (compass-uk.org)
• School Nursing (not just open during term time): Open to students aged 11 to 19 in North East Lincolnshire. Visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/school-nursing/ Call (01472)  323660 (9am-4:30 Mon-Fri (except bank holidays) or text 07507 331620.

If you have an immediate concern that someone may harm themselves, call the police on 999.