A simple conversation. A text message. A knock on the door. Sometimes these small acts can make a life-changing difference.
As we mark World Suicide Prevention Day, North East Lincolnshire residents are being encouraged to look out for friends, family members, neighbours and colleagues who may be struggling. Research shows that many people who have experienced suicidal thoughts say those thoughts were interrupted by somebody reaching out and showing they cared.
Every 90 minutes, a person in the UK or Ireland loses their life to suicide and it is estimated that a quarter of us have had suicidal thoughts. A major public health challenge, the World Health Organisation states that 720,000 people die by suicide each year. It is a leading cause of death for people aged between 15 and 29, with more than 6,000 people taking their lives in the UK annually.
Job losses, the economy, and social issues are often a direct cause of an increase in suicide rates, and with continuing global challenges, it is important communities raise awareness to not only reduce the stigma of suicide but also create a more supportive and understanding society.
The continued theme for 2026 is ‘Changing the Narrative’, asking communities to start conversations about suicide and suicide prevention, urging people to shift from “silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support”.
What can you do to help?
- 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.
To raise awareness, the International Association for Suicide Prevention is also asking people to take part in their ‘Move for Life’ campaign, running from September 10 to World Mental Health Day on October 10. Run, walk, cycle, or move in your own way and raise awareness of suicide prevention, promote wellbeing, and connect communities. For details, visit the website at https://www.iasp.info/wspd/moveforlife/
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 www.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 (24 hours)
For a list of services available, visit https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/mental-and-emotional-health/
Support for children and young people:
- 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.
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