World Suicide Prevention Day – Creating Hope Through Action

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, which aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage well-informed action about preventing suicide. We can all play a role in preventing suicides.

Suicidal thoughts are more common than people realise, with suicide being the biggest killer of men under 49 and women aged 20 to 34. 1 in 100 deaths is the result of suicide.

Research shows that using the word ‘suicide’ appropriately let’s other people know it is ok to talk about suicidal feelings and that the person asking is there to listen.

Suicide can affect everyone of us. Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. However, this year’s theme: ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ is a reminder that our actions can provide hope to those that are struggling, no matter how big or small.

By creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them.

Mind BLMK

One way you can get involved with World Suicide Prevention day is by taking part in suicide awareness training:

Zero Suicide Alliance Training Course
The 20-minute Zero Suicide Alliance training course, is available for free to the public nationwide.
The training helps participants to recognise the warning signs that someone may be thinking about
suicide, understand how to ask them if they are thinking about suicide and help them access
appropriate support.

See the Signs Training
Mind BLMK run free See the Signs training. The training is an introduction to basic suicide
awareness for those who live or work in, Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes.
This training is delivered online, and the session is 2 hrs 30 minutes.

Need Some Help?
It is important to note that if you are really struggling with your mental health and it is disrupting your everyday life seek professional help, talk to your GP.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, many of us are experiencing feelings of collective grief. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to know someone personally to be affected by their death. And, that while collective grief can be upsetting, sometimes grieving as a group can allow us to process our feelings more easily. For more help with this, please visit Cruse Bereavement Support’s website page.

If you are concerned about a deterioration in your mental health or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please call 0800 0234 650 if you live in Milton Keynes or 111 if you live in Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Brough. Mind BLMK’s dedicated Crisis Café team are there to support people across Bedford, Luton, and Milton Keynes. This free service is available 365 days of the year and there to support you. To speak to a member of the team, please call 01525 722 225 between 5.00pm to 11.00pm, or for further information about their work and the support offered through the Crisis Cafés, please visit the Mind BLMK crisis support website page.

The Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to listen. Call them anytime on 116 123 if you need to somebody to talk to.
You can also text Shout on 85258
Call Papyrus Hopeline UK on 0800 068 4141

If you need immediate help, contact the emergency services or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E).