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 9th to the 13th 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.
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.’
In 2022 5,642 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.
| Thurrock and Brentwood Mind |
| South East and Central Essex Mind |
| Mid and North East Essex Mind |
| Southend Hospital |
| Basildon Hospital |
| Broomfield Hospital |
| Castle Point Council Offices |
| Brentwood Town Hall, Brentwood |
| Rayleigh Windmill, Rochford |
| Colchester Castle |
| Colchester Town Hall |
| Maldon District Council Offices |
| Epping Forest Council Offices |
| Bennett Funeral Home – Brentwood |
| Bennett Funeral Home – Billericay |
| County Hall Chelmsford |
| Harlow Civic Centre |
| Southend City Beach |
| Porters Mayors House, Southend |
| Civic Centre, Southend |
| Top level (7th floor) of Thameside complex Orsett Rd Grays Essex Rm17 5DX |
| 2-4 Derwent Parade , South Ockendon RM15 5EE |
| New Hall The Sorrells, Stanford Le Hope SS17 7ES |
| Aveley Hall 108 High Street Aveley RM15 4AX |
| 34 Derry Avenue South Ockendon RM15 5DL |
| Marisco Hall Brentwood Rd Chadwell St Mary RM16 4JP |
| Take 4 51 Lodge Lane Grays Essex RM17 5RZ |
| Lakeside Shopping Centre – Eatery |
| Riverside Leisure Centre, Chelmsford |
| Health watch Thurrock
Mercury Theatre, Colchester |
To access more information for the campaign download the toolkit:
Please see our media release for more information and comments on the campaign:
Downloadable Poster
