World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on 10 September. This year’s theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is Changing the Narrative on Suicide, with the call to action Start the Conversation.
Every conversation can make a difference.
World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on 10 September each year, bringing people together around the world to raise awareness of suicide prevention and encourage action that can save lives.
The theme for 2024 to 2026 is Changing the Narrative on Suicide.
It is about moving away from silence, stigma and misunderstanding and towards openness, understanding and support. This World Suicide Prevention Day, we can all play a part by starting conversations, listening without judgement and helping people feel able to ask for support when they need it.
Start the conversation
Talking about suicide can feel difficult. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or making things worse. But talking openly and compassionately about suicide does not put the idea into someone’s head.
If you are concerned about someone, reaching out and giving them the opportunity to talk can make a real difference.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You can:
- check in and ask how they are really feeling
- listen without judgement or trying to immediately fix things
- take what they tell you seriously
- ask directly if you are concerned that they may be thinking about suicide
- encourage them to access professional support
- seek urgent help if you believe they are in immediate danger
Sometimes, simply showing someone that they have been noticed, heard and valued can be an important first step towards getting further support.
What might tell you someone is struggling?
There isn’t one definitive set of signs that somebody may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, and everyone responds to difficult circumstances differently.
However, you may notice changes in somebody’s behaviour or wellbeing. They might become withdrawn, express feelings of hopelessness or feeling trapped, experience significant changes in mood or sleep, increase their use of alcohol or drugs, or behave in ways that are out of character.
Sometimes there may be no obvious signs at all.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to check in. You don’t need to wait until you are certain that someone needs help before starting a conversation.
We’re here for you
At Activate Learning, we want every student to know that they do not have to face difficult times alone.
Our students can access professional mental health, wellbeing and safeguarding support across our colleges, including counselling services and health and wellbeing advice from our dedicated Student Support teams.
Our Safeguarding and child protection specialists are also available if you are worried about your own or somebody else’s health, safety or wellbeing, whether something has happened on or off campus.
You can speak to us confidentially about issues including:
- anxiety, depression and emotional wellbeing
- relationships
- physical, sexual or emotional abuse
- bereavement and loss
- work or study difficulties
- disabilities and additional needs
- eating disorders
- anything else affecting your wellbeing
The important thing is to speak to someone.
You are not alone
We also work alongside specialist charities, organisations and NHS services, including Mind, Samaritans, Kooth, No5 in Reading and local crisis services.
If you are worried about yourself or somebody else, you can:
Speak to Student Support
Call 01865 550401 or visit the Student Support team on your campus.
Contact Samaritans
Call 116 123, free, day or night.
In an emergency
If you or somebody else is in immediate danger, call 999.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, start a conversation. Check in with someone. Listen. And remind the people around you that support is available.
A conversation might feel like a small action, but it can make a difference.
