Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership

What is World Suicide Prevention Day?

Every year organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide.

When is it?

World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10th of September each year focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, government, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented

Why is it important?

It can affect every one of us. Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world. World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.

Project Hope

On the 10th September the local suicide prevention action group are organising an event from 11am- 3pm in Southwater Square, Telford to raise awareness of local and national support services. By creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them. It also suggests that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.

Figures from the ONS IN 2018 show that suicide is the second most common cause of death amongst those that are homeless.  The visual representation of these truly startling facts will be sleeping bags spelling out the word HOPE and also a tree of hope for people to leave their messages of hope. The event will also feature street art, face painting, circus skills, physical and creative activities and music.

Facts and Figures

• The latest suicides statistics showed that in 2018, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, more than 6,800 people died by suicide.
• In the UK, men are three times as likely to die by suicide than women 
• Someone sleeping rough is 9 times more likely to die by suicide than the general public

Where to seek help

If you feel that you require support with your mental health you can contact the  Telford and Wrekin ACCESS team on 0808 196 4501 or by contacting your GP who will refer you in to the relevant mental health service. You can also contact Adult Social Care by telephone on 01952 385385 and select option 3

Visit the NHS website to view the NHS Choices Mood self assessment which will provide you with lots of useful information and advice

Visit the Midlands Partnership website where you can view a range of self help leaflets.

Visit the Midlands Partnership website where you can self refer to Telford & Wrekin IAPT Service which is a free NHS Service (previously know as the Telford & Wrekin Wellbeing Service).

Zero Suicide Alliance - a charity hosted by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust dedicated to preventing suicide, who work in collaboration with NHS trusts, non-profit organisations, local authorities, businesses and individuals to raise awareness of suicide and its contributing factors.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention - The International Association for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to preventing suicide and suicidal behaviour and alleviating its effects.

Samaritans - Whatever you're going through, call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123