World Suicide Prevention Day: Changing the Narrative and Starting Conversations

On Tuesday, 10 September, communities around the world will come together to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. This day aims to raise awareness about suicide, promote understanding, and inspire action to create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone. The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with the call to action #StartTheConversation. This theme highlights the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.

The Importance of Conversation

The World Health Organisation is encouraging people to “start the conversation” and talk to people if they’re worried about them. This year’s theme focuses on the importance of talking about mental health and suicide. Every conversation matters – by breaking the silence and reducing stigma, we encourage people to seek help early. Research shows that open conversations about mental health can help people feel better, raise awareness, encourage people to seek help, and ultimately, save lives.

A Growing Community of Support

The Orange Button scheme is a great way for people to help support people in need. This scheme empowers people to have supportive conversations with friends, family, colleagues and others, and to help them signpost people who are having suicidal thoughts. People who undertake the Orange Button training receive an orange button, which they can wear whenever they choose. The button lets people know that wearers have the confidence and knowledge to talk about suicide and let people know where to find help and support. The Orange Button scheme launched a year ago, with more than 350 people trained since then, helping build a community of Orange Button wearers across Solihull and Birmingham. By completing the training, you could make a really positive difference with the people you live and work with.

Liverpool’s Collaborative Approach to Suicide Prevention

Latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that, tragically, the suicide rate in Liverpool is increasing and is now higher than the average for England. Liverpool’s rate is comparable to that of the North-West and other UK cities where communities face similar challenges, such as poverty and loneliness, which can impact mental health. That’s why Liverpool is taking a strong, collaborative approach to suicide prevention, bringing together key partners to better understand the risks and work collectively to address them.

As part of their wider partnership work to prevent suicides, Liverpool City Council will join the global community in marking World Suicide Prevention Day. As part of this year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Start the Conversation,” the Council will illuminate key city landmarks to symbolise hope and create spaces for reflection. Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall and Cunard Building will all illuminate in orange, offering those effected by suicide a space and moment to reflect, remember those lost, and remind people that they are not alone.

Frontline Training in Stratford-on-Avon

On World Suicide Prevention Day, Stratford-on-Avon District Council is announcing that it has secured funding to support the training of front-line workers who are most likely to be working with or encounter those at greatest risk of suicides or attempted suicides. The District Council has secured £6,000 from the Place Partnership - Coventry and Warwickshire Suicide Prevention Programme to deliver this training of front-line professionals. Cllr Liz Coles, Housing and Customer Services Portfolio Holder said: “Suicide is a distressing topic, but nevertheless an important one and I very much welcome the Council's efforts to take training into the heart of our South Warwickshire communities and attempt to skill up those frontline workers most likely to encounter residents battling suicidal thoughts. 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.”

Derby’s Baton of Hope

To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, the Council House in Derby will be lit up in purple. The city has been chosen to be part of next year’s Baton of Hope tour, which will see bereaved families and suicide survivors invited to carry a specially-designed symbol of hope across the UK. Next year the tour will be even bigger, with Derby named as one of 20 locations to host the event. Councillor Alison Martin, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said: “This World Suicide Prevention Day, the opportunity to raise awareness and offer support to people is more important than ever. One in five of us will struggle with suicidal thoughts in our lifetime, but the stigma attached to suicide can prevent people from getting the support they need. By supporting the campaign, we hope to help break the stigma that often prevents people from opening up.”

Brighton & Hove’s Focus on Open Conversations

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place every year on 10 September and offers a chance for people to come together to raise awareness of suicide prevention. The theme for this year is ‘changing the narrative on suicide.’ It aims to inspire everyone to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour. Suicide has far-reaching consequences, there were more than 6,000 deaths by suicide in England and Wales last year. Sadly, in Brighton & Hove there were more than 120 deaths by suicide between 2021 and 2023. Councillor Bruno De Oliveira, chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “By supporting World Suicide Prevention Day we want to make it easier to talk about difficult feelings, including suicidal thoughts. If we talk more openly about suicide, we can remove the stigma, give people the chance to express how they feel, and get the support they need.”

Leicester’s Mental Health Friendly Places Network

PEOPLE are being urged to find out more about Leicester’s network of mental health friendly places (MHFPs), located in neighbourhood venues across the city, as World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) is marked. Data suggests that in Leicester, between 30 and 40 people a year die by suicide. Research shows that most people who have taken their own lives did not reach out for support. By extending and promoting the city’s network of MHFPs, the city council wants to ensure there are places in every community that will provide safe, non-judgemental places for people to talk about their mental health concerns and get information on services which could help them. Shops, hairdressers, charities and community centres are among the public-facing organisations who’ve already signed up to the network. Training offered to their staff and volunteers includes improving conversational skills, or more in-depth training such as a Samaritans listening skills or mental health awareness training. Leicester deputy city mayor for social care, health and community safety, Cllr Sarah Russell, said: “Having someone you trust, who you can talk to, can have huge benefits for mental health. Not everyone has someone in their life who they can turn to, and developing our network of mental health friendly places will make that support available within local communities.”

A Call to Action: How to Get Involved

There are several ways to get involved in World Suicide Prevention Day. You can start by learning about the resources available in your community, as well as sharing information with your friends and family. You can also join the conversation online using the hashtag #StartTheConversation. Remember, every conversation counts. Let’s all work together to change the narrative on suicide and create a world where everyone feels safe and supported.