During September World Suicide Prevention Day falls on the 10^th and in the UK many charities use the month of September to raise awareness around suicide and suicide prevention, sharing the message that suicide can be prevented. During the next month the UK Wellbeing Strategy Group will be sharing some of these important resources to support our colleagues who may be directly or indirectly affected by this topic.

What the numbers tell us (Data from Office for National Statistics)

• On average, the UK records around 6,300 suicides annually, roughly one every 90 minutes—equating to about 11 deaths per 100,000 people.
• Broken down by gender, the suicide rate reached 17.4 per 100,000 for males (highest since 1999) and 5.7 per 100,000 for females (highest since 1994).

Why it’s important to raise awareness

The Samaritans surveyed people with lived experience of suicide and the majority said that their suicidal thoughts have been interrupted.

• 60% said their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by someone close to them, like a friend or family member.
• 14% said their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by a stranger or someone they didn’t know.

Many people who struggle with suicidal thoughts feel isolated, ashamed, or afraid to speak out. Normalising conversations helps break down barriers. Even colleagues who seem confident or composed may be facing unseen challenges. Recognising warning signs and extending empathy can save lives.

Over the coming month we’ll be sharing the following support resources and signposts:

• What to do if you are at risk of suicide
• Warning signs that someone may be at risk of suicide
• How to support someone you’re worried about
• Sources of support

If you are struggling

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, please use/share these links.

On the UK News download page HERE you can find our poster sharing QR codes to many online support resources. Please share this poster on your site notice boards and wellbeing boards.

Sources of phone, text and online support – available 24/7

For urgent support please contact your GP and ask for an emergency appointment. Alternatively call the NHS 111 and ask for urgent support.

• Samaritans: Call 116 123 – https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
• NHS Mental Health Crisis Services: Available locally via NHS Call 111
• SHOUT – https://giveusashout.org/ text SHOUT to 85252 (available 24/7).

A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

• Suicide Prevention UK – Helpline Call 0800 5870800 –  https://spuk.org.uk/ – offering a safe haven for anyone who needs someone to talk to.

• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – call 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight) https://www.thecalmzone.net/what-we-do. Nationwide helpline and chat service. Life-saving services, information and advice to help anyone struggling with life.

• HOPELINE247 Text: 88247. Call: 0800 068 4141. Free and confidential support for under 35s, information via phone, text message (SMS), email https://papyrus-uk.org/

Further support information:

• How to support yourself if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts (Samaritans): https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/if-youre-having-difficult-time/how-to-interrupt-your-suicidal-thoughts-guide/
• What to do if you are at risk of suicide (Mental Health UK): https://mentalhealth-uk.org/suicide/
• Guide: Suicidal thoughts – how to cope Click HERE to open

You can find all our resources on the UK News download page HERE – please print and share on your workplace screens, notice boards, and wellbeing boards.