World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 is on 10 of September, as is usual. So many of us are personally affected by suicide, with the impact being significant and lasting. With that in mind, it is important that we use this time to remember people we have lost, as well as creating hope through our own actions, for the future of others.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention and other excellent national and local organisations are focused this year on drawing greater awareness of this important public health issue. Through encouraging personal understanding, reaching in and sharing experiences we can give each other the confidence to take positive action.
Reducing stigmas
By creating hope we can reduce stigmas around suicide and give people the confidence to accept and seek out help and support – so people do not feel they are alone. We can all create that hope.
Please pay attention, think about and talk to others about how individually and collectively we can inspire confidence in people to talk, to seek alternatives to suicide. Help spread that message that it is okay to talk about suicide. Through our actions we can play a critical and supportive role for people in crisis.
Never be afraid to talk about mental health, never be afraid to talk about suicide. Be prepared to listen, to talk, to be a beacon of light to someone in pain. You can # BeTheLight
Grassroots the brilliant Suicide Prevention Charity has released a new ‘Voices of Hope‘ podcast to coincide with Suicide Prevention Day. Please listen to this to be inspired by people’s stories.
A final ask, please, if I may – on Sunday 10th of September, at 8pm, please light a candle (safely) near a window to show support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one and for the survivors of suicide.
Useful links:
Grassroots Suicide Prevention | Educating, Connecting, Campaigning (prevent-suicide.org.uk)
