10/09/2026
This Su***de Prevention Day we are supporting the message that anyone can take action to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and save lives.
Today (10 September) is World Su***de Prevention Day and the theme being promoted by LSCFT and the Samaritans charity is that su***de isn’t inevitable. By talking more openly about it, asking direct questions and showing kindness, we could all make a huge difference. We could even save a life.
Su***de Prevention Lead at LSCFT, Dr Anushta Sivananthan, said: “At LSCFT we believe that every su***de is a tragedy, and that su***de is preventable.
“As a leading provider of mental health services in the area, we have a responsibility to lead with compassion, clinical excellence, and unwavering commitment to prevention. We are a member of the Zero Su***de Alliance which is a collaborative of NHS Trusts, businesses and individuals who are all committed to su***de prevention in the UK and beyond . We know there is always hope and talking about su***de really doesn’t have to be scary or difficult.
“It can be as simple as asking someone how they are, what they need, smiling at or complimenting a stranger and showing kindness, when someone may really need it. We know that talking openly about su***de and mental health can feel awkward. We also know that talking about su***de does not increase the risk of someone taking their own life. We want people to get comfortable with talking about su***de and make it the norm.
“One way in which we’re getting more people to talk about su***de is through the Orange Button scheme and we want to grow our community of orange button wearers even further. The orange button is worn by people or displayed by businesses who have undergone specialised su***de prevention training and while they are not able to counsel people, they can provide comprehensive signposting to services and support in the community.
“It means that people who are having thoughts of su***de, or people who are worried about someone, can now get support and information when they see someone wearing a distinctive orange badge. The training teaches people to talk about su***de safely and confidently and identify the signs if someone is having suicidal thoughts. It also guides you how to develop a safety plan with someone who is having suicidal thoughts and how to signpost someone at risk to the appropriate services we provide.”
Doctor Sivananthan is sharing her top tips for how best to approach conversations with people who may be in crisis:
• The main way to support someone is to compassionately listen and acknowledge their feelings
• Try not to become distressed or overwhelmed as there is a lot of support out there
• Encourage them to talk about their feelings and ask if they are feeling suicidal
• Stay with them whilst they are feeling distressed if you can
• Ask if they have a crisis plan or safety plan that would help
• Help them make a safety plan, so they can describe what sort of things help them and who can support them
• Encourage them to seek treatment or support
Support is available 24 hours a day and you can speak to a trained professional by calling 111 and selecting option two.
This number can help people having suicidal thoughts and people worried about someone in crisis. The call handler will carry out instant assessment and referrals to appropriate services and support.
You can also contact Samaritans on 116 123.
Resources are available via The Hub of Hope: https://hubofhope.co.uk/
