World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on 10th September 2025.
Every year we campaign to raise awareness of suicide prevention, organisations and charities across the globe come together to remember those lost to suicide and how we can work towards fewer people dying by suicide.

 

The day serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health, encouraging open conversations to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness. It also highlights the vital need for accessible mental health resources, support networks, and early intervention to save lives. By fostering a community of understanding and care, World Suicide Prevention Day emphasises that everyone can play a role in supporting those struggling with suicidal thoughts, offering hope and help.

 

Creating Hope Through Light

 

From the 8th to the 12th September, for World Suicide Prevention Day, organisations, people and communities in Essex are lighting up Key buildings and landmarks green, as part of the ‘Creating hope through light’ event.

The campaign is aimed at reducing the stigma around talking about suicide and encourages people to take the free online suicide prevention training, as well as highlight the other mental health resources available in Essex.

The suicide prevention training focuses on three key elements See, Say, Signpost.  See the problem, Say the words, Signpost to support and it gives people the knowledge and the confidence to talk to someone who might be at risk of or thinking about suicide.

 

“Seeking help when we’re struggling can feel overwhelming, but we know that early support saves lives,” said Alfred Bandakpara-Taylor, Deputy Director of Mental Health at NHS Mid and South Essex ICB.

“By lighting up our towns and encouraging everyone to take the training, we want to build a community that is confident to talk about suicide and support each other through difficult times. A single conversation really can make the difference.”

 

In 2023, 6069 people took their lives to suicide in the UK, with 131 people taking their life in Essex alone.  Suicide is in fact the leading cause of death in the United Kingdom in men under 50.

Thousands of people experience suicidal thoughts and feelings every single day and coupled with COVID-19, the cost of living crisis and events across the World, we are now amidst a mental health crisis.

 

Spreading the word about the campaign and website to friends, family and co-workers could really help save a life.

 

People can take part by joining the social media campaign on #CreatingHopeThroughLight, as well as upload personal messages and videos using the campaign resources available on the website.
We want as many businesses, organisations and residents  as possible to be able to spot the signs of someone who may be feeling suicidal and know how to say the words to them and signpost them to support – this can all be learnt by taking the FREE training.