World Suicide Prevention Day took place on 10th September 2024.
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

 

Between the 9th to the 13th September, organisations, people and communities in Essex lit up Key buildings and landmarks green, as part of the ‘Creating hope through light’ event.

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

In 2022, 5642 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.

 

Alfred Bandakpara-Taylor, Deputy Director of Mental Health at NHS mid and south Essex ICB, said:

Seeking support when we are feeling low and/or anxious can be difficult, but the earlier individuals reach out for support the better. We want people from across mid and south Essex to encourage their friends, family, work colleagues, their communities, and the organisations they work for to become a part of our ‘Creating hope through light’ event this September to help prevent and reduce suicides. Whether it is lighting a building green, talking to other people about preventing suicide or taking the training – you may help save someone’s life.’

 

Highlights from the campaign

Below are just a handful of the buildings that lit up for the campaign.

 

Essex County Hall, Chelmsford

 

Rayleigh Windmill

 

Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions top window, Grays

Basildon Hospital

Brentwood Town Council Offices