10/09/2026
WARNING - Talk of Su***de
What is World Su***de 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 su***de.
When is it?
World Su***de Prevention Su***de Day is always on 10 September.
Why is it important?
The latest su***des statistics showed that in 2023, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, more than 6,069 people died by su***de. Every life lost to su***de is a tragedy.
And we know that su***de is preventable, it’s not inevitable.
But not being OK is still widely stigmatised. And governments can still make better, more ambitious plans to prevent su***de.
How to start a conversation with someone
Just being there to listen and showing you care can help. Here are some tips on how to open up a conversation with someone you’re worried about:
Choose a good time, and somewhere without distractions
Use open questions that need more than a yes/no answer
‘How are things, I’ve noticed you don’t seem quite yourself?’
Listen well. ‘How’s that making you feel?’
Avoid giving your view of what’s wrong, or what they should do
It's normal to feel anxious about asking someone if they’re suicidal, but it could save someone's life. Try and avoid saying things like ‘you’re not thinking of doing something stupid are you?’. Being patient and showing you care builds trust and helps someone to open up.
You could ask:
Have you thought about ending your life?
Are you saying that you want to die?
Are you thinking of ending your life because you want to die?, or is it because you want the situation, you're in or the way you feel to stop?
If you have Mental Health Champions or Mental Health First Aiders, please reach out to them for additional support.
For more information, please visit https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-su***de-prevention-day/2026
https://mentalhealth-charter.co.uk/