Public health leads in Suffolk and North East Essex are inviting people to share their messages of hope for World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September, 2021).
Every 40 seconds someone in the world takes their own life; that is almost 800,000 people a year around the world. Suicide is a global concern and a serious public health issue in every country; however, suicides are preventable. This year’s message is that by inspiring hope in others, we can all play our part.
World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on 10th September each year. It is about collectively taking action to raise awareness of suicide and support that is available.
Supporting this year’s theme of ‘Creating hope through action’, we would like to collect and share expressions of hope from people in Suffolk and North East Essex. This can be in the form of words, pictures or photographs that reflect their messages of hope, showing those who are suffering from emotional pain, depression, loneliness or loss that there are others in the community who care.
Councillor Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Public Protection, & Communities, said:
“Preventing suicide is often possible and we are all key players in its prevention. Simple actions like making small talk with a stranger or checking in on a friend can make a huge difference to someone’s mood and mindset in their time of need.
“People who are suicidal may feel trapped or like a burden to their friends, family and those around them. With our messages of hope we want to reach out to those who may be struggling, to remind them that they are not alone and that support is always available.”
Dr Ed Garratt, Chief Executive of the clinical commissioning groups in Suffolk and North East Essex, said:
“We know that we’re all having to live in very different circumstances to what we are used to and right now for some it may be overwhelming. This is why we want to encourage everyone across Suffolk and north east Essex to support the system’s campaign and to share messages, experiences and thoughts of hope. It has never been more important for each of us to think and talk more about mental health and wellbeing.”
Messages of hope can be submitted using an online form, at https://www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/projects/hope and will be shared on websites, social media and through local media.
For anyone interested in knowing more about how they can support someone who may be considering suicide, the Zero Suicide Alliance offer free training, which will help them gain the skills and confidence they need. This training, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete, can be found at: https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training
Support services:
If you have been affected by suicide, support services can be found at https://www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/advice-services/adults/coping-with-bereavement
Bereaved by Suicide Service
Losing a loved one to suicide is an extremely traumatic experience. Our Bereaved by Suicide Service aims to ease the distress and improve the wellbeing of those in Suffolk (with the exception of the Waveney area) and Colchester and Tendring who have been bereaved by suicide.
We provide emotional support, practical help and signposting to other organisations. The service is free and confidential and is here for when you need it.
View the bereaved by suicide flyer (PDF, 213KB).
