World Suicide Prevention Day: Start the Conversation

Blog - 11 September 2025

In the UK, around 5 young people take their own lives each day. It's time to change the narrative, share hope, and start conversations.
A photo of two people in a living room, their faces are cut off by the frame and we see the back of one and the hands of another folded across their lap. Text reads 'World suicide prevention day: start the conversation'

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place every year on the 10th of September. It's an opportunity to have an honest conversation about suicide, not as a taboo topic or a private struggle, but something we can talk about openly, safely and compassionately. 

  • In 2023, around 1,840 young people under 35 died by suicide in the UK.
  • Over 200 teenagers/school-aged children take their own lives each year.
  • Suicide remains the biggest killer of under-35s.
  • Around five young people take their lives each day in the UK.
  • 1 in 4 of us will experience suicidal thoughts in our lives.

For too long, stigma and silence have made it hard to reach those in crisis. It's time to start the conversation. Explore the training and resources below to learn how you can help prevent suicide. 

Training

Learn to save a life - Zero Suicide Alliance training

Through this 20-minute suicide awareness training, run by the Zero Suicide Alliance, you will gain skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide. 

  • The training is recommended for anyone aged 16 and over.
  • Anyone can learn how to have a potentially life-saving conversation.
  • Learn how to spot suicide warning signs; how to have a conversation with someone you’re worried about; and where to signpost to for further support.

Here you’ll find a shorter gateway module (5 – 10 minutes), as well as the autism, university, veteran and taxi editions. Explore more training options from the Zero Suicide Alliance

Suicide Prevention Awareness Sessions - Delivered by West Central London Mind  

14 October, 10:00 - 12:00 (online)

This session is tailored for individuals who want to gain a better understanding of the topic of suicide, in order to contribute meaningfully to suicide prevention efforts and promote mental health awareness. 

03 November, 10am - 13pm (in-person)

  • This workshop extends the general awareness session and is aimed at those with a greater understanding of the topic of suicide.
  • This workshop is interactive and highly participatory, including analysing case studies and a role play exercise.

For more info about how Kingston Council and partners are working together to prevent suicide and how you can help, go to How you can help prevent suicide | Suicide prevention in Kingston

Suicide Prevention Training - PAPYRUS

PAPYRUS offers a range of suicide prevention training, which is available to individuals, organisations and communities who want to create a suicide-safer society.

PAPRUS also offers a broad range of help and advice resources, from coping techniques to converstation starters, distraction techniques and dealing with anxiety. 

Thinking of suicide?

Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice, contact HOPELINE247

Phone: 0800 068 4141

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Text: 88247

For British Sign Language support: Connect Now

Protect and strengthen independent services that give the public a voice

We think trusted independent services that listen to local communities are essential to improving health and social care. We listen without fear or favour and reach those whose voices are often ignored.
 
Help us to protect and strengthen independence by signing and sharing the petition asking the government to review its decision to abolish local Healthwatch.
 

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