World Suicide Prevention Day, held every 10 September, is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO). We support this initiative to tackle the stigma around suicide that is the cause of death for around 7,000 people in the UK every year.

The theme for 2024 to 2026, ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, is about moving from a culture of silence and shame to understanding and support.

“More than 720,000 people die by suicide every year. Changing the narrative means fostering empathy and compassion for those who are struggling. It means understanding that suicidal thoughts and feelings are a sign of immense pain and distress, but talking about suicidal thoughts does not increase their presence or occurrence. It means listening without judgment, offering support and guiding individuals towards help. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a more supportive and understanding society.” IASP

In the film below, made by national Mind, Graham, Miriam, Alicia and Lee talk about what it feels like to want to take your own life, and ways they’ve learned to cope.

Need help?

If you’re in immediate danger of taking your own life, call 999 or visit A&E. You can also access urgent mental health advice from the NHS 24-hour helpline – Call ‘111’, then select option ‘2’.

Bucks Mind’s Safe Haven is a safe and supportive alternative to A&E for people 18+. Aylesbury 01296 453017 and High Wycombe 01494 218098 (open 7 nights a week).

We understand that it can be difficult to contact Safe Haven for the first time. Please be reassured that we are a friendly and welcoming team and we really want to hear from you. To find out more about Safe Haven and what to expect when you call us, please watch the short film below.

Other support

• ChatHealth is a 24/7 mental health text service, provided by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, offering immediate access to advice and support for people experiencing a range of mental health challenges.
• Call Samaritans on 116 123 (always open)
• Text SHOUT to 85258
• Mind Support Line: 0300 102 1234 (Open 9am-6pm weekdays)
• CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (Open 5pm – midnight)
• If you’re under 25, Text THEMIX to 85258 (always open)
• Text HECTOR to 85258
• Childline 0800 1111 (always open)
• Buckinghamshire Family Information Service can also offer support and advice to help with your wellbeing.
• There’s also specialist support available if you have had a premature baby (Bliss) or Tommy’s Charity for support with baby loss.
• Contact Buckinghamshire Perinatal Mental Health Team at The Whiteleaf Centre, Bierton Road, Aylesbury, HP20 1EG
  Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
  Tel: 01865 901749
  Out of hours: 01865 902000 (for those under care of the Perinatal team)
  Referrals email: [email protected]

The most important thing to do is to talk to someone. Talking about your problems and your feelings can help you to get the help you need and reduce the risk of suicide. Speak to someone now about how you are feeling and the thoughts you are having.

Worried about someone?

You or someone you know may be struggling if they:

• Talk about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden.
• Reduced interest in personal hygiene and appearance.
• Social withdrawal (partner, family, friends).
• Missing healthcare appointments (ante and postnatal care, mental health).
• Feel disconnected from their baby or partner.
• Experience sleep issues, appetite changes or panic attacks.
• Use alcohol or drugs more than usual.
• Show sudden calmness after deep distress.
• Express thoughts of death or suicide, even jokingly.
• Give away possessions or say goodbye unexpectedly.
• Reckless behaviour

Men may show different signs:

• Irritability, anger, or aggression.
• Trouble concentrating or relaxing.
• Loss of interest in hobbies.
• Feeling unable to cope but hiding it well.

Ways you can help a friend or loved one who is struggling

Talking about suicide doesn’t increase the risk of someone attempting to take their own life. Instead, it can enhance safety by reducing feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Giving someone the space to talk openly about feeling suicidal offers opportunities for connection, reassurance, safe support, and hope for change. You can:

• Start a conversation, don’t be afraid to ask the direct question, many people feel relieved and less isolated when asked. Ask directly, “Are you feeling overwhelmed or having thoughts of suicide?”
• Listen without judgment. Let them share.
• Share a helpline with them, offer to sit with them and support them while they reach out for support.
• Help them contact their GP, health visitor, or a mental health service.
• If you think a friend or family member is in immediate danger of taking their own life, call 999 or visit A&E. Bucks Safe Haven service is a safe and supportive alternative to A&E.

If you need help urgently or you’re supporting a child, young person or adult who is feeling suicidal, please click the button below for more information, advice and signposting.