World Suicide Prevention Day 2024

World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on 10^th September, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about suicide, its prevention, and the support available for those affected. This observance, spearheaded by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), provides an essential platform for open discussions, education, and advocacy efforts. It serves as a reminder that suicide is a pressing public health issue, with approximately 700,000 people losing their lives to suicide each year, that’s one person every 40 seconds, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The latest suicide data published by the Office for National Statistics for England reported:

• In 2022, there were 5,642 suicides registered in England and Wales (10.7 deaths per 100,000 people); this is consistent with 2021 (5,583 deaths; 10.7 per 100,000).

• Around three-quarters of suicides registered in 2022 were males (4,179 deaths; 74.1%), equivalent to 16.4 deaths per 100,000.

• The rate for females was 5.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2022, consistent with rates between 2018 and 2021.

• Among females, the age-specific rate was highest in those aged 50 to 54 years (7.8 deaths per 100,000); in 2021 the highest rate was in those aged 45 to 49 (7.7 deaths per 100,000).

• Among males, the age-specific rate was highest in those aged 90 years or over (32.1 deaths per 100,000), followed by those aged 45 to 49 (23.0 deaths per 100,000).

• London had the lowest rate of any region in England (7.0 deaths per 100,000); the highest rate was in the North East (12.8 deaths per 100,000).

• In Wales, there were 12.5 deaths per 100,000 people in 2022, compared with 12.9 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021.

* Suicide rates are based on the year of death registration. Because of registration delays, 41% of deaths registered in 2022 had a date of death in the same year, 50% occurred in 2021 and the remaining deaths occurred in 2020 or earlier.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day often revolves around creating hope through action, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in reducing stigma and offering support In an effort to address this issue and encourage positive change, the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2024-2026 has been announced as “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” and aims to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide and transforming how we perceive this complex issue. Changing the narrative requires systemic change. It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support (Changing the Narrative on Suicide - IASP).

Encouraging open dialogue about mental health and suicide can help break down barriers and create environments where individuals feel safe to express their struggles. Additionally, recognising the signs of suicidal ideation, such as withdrawal, drastic mood changes, or expressions of hopelessness, can enable timely intervention.

We spend about one third of our lives at work and the quality of our working life has a major impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Employers can take action to create a workplace that reduces the potential risk of suicide, however Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) found very few employers have frameworks in place to help employees access the support they need. In response to their findings, CIPD have produced guides for both people professionals and managers on Responding to suicide risk in the workplace to offer advice on:

• why suicide is a workplace issue.
• understanding suicide
• creating a supportive and positive culture for mental health
• responding to suicide risk
• support after suicide

As part of its commitment to support the industry, the Recruitment Employment Confederation (REC) partnered with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) to deliver training courses for staff to become Mental Health First Aiders at work. Offering mental health first aid training helps staff and managers to spot the signs and signpost staff to support before issues escalate. They can provide not just a listening ear, but a lifeline for colleagues who are at risk of suicide.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) suggests that we can all take actions, especially on World Suicide Prevention Day, such as raising awareness, educating oneself and others about the reasons behind suicide, recognising the warning signs, and challenging the stigma surrounding suicide, suicidal behaviour, and mental health concerns.

Raise awareness

• Access information including IASP outreach briefs such as Suicide-The-Workplace-Outreach-Brief.pdf which contains links for workplace suicide prevention and postvention resources.
• Download a banner for World Suicide Prevention Day, incorporating this small addition to your email signature, intranet or a website can help raise awareness.
• Facilitate a more open forum for discussion through informal check-in about wellbeing and how things are going, rather than framing specifically around suicide.
• Raise the profile of Mental Health First Aiders - if your organisation has MHFAsalready in place, then this is a good opportunity to raise their profile.
• Share on social media #StartTheConversation - by starting conversations, we can break down barriers and raise awareness, check in with a friend or loved one, share personal stories and advocate for mental health resources and support services.

Educate yourself and others

• Samaritans provide a range of training programmes for different organisations covering a range of issues in the workplace including ‘Handling Suicidal Conversations’ to support staff to develop the skills and confidence to spot and support anyone struggling to cope.
• This free online training session Suicide awareness training from the Zero Suicide Alliancetakes 20minutes to complete and you receive a certificate after completion. It aims to provide the skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide by breaking stigma and encouraging open conversations.
• This Suicide prevention toolkit developed by Business in the Community and Public Health England, helps senior leaders, managers, HR and occupational health professionals embed suicide prevention strategies in health and wellbeing policies, supporting those at risk.

Challenge the stigma

• There is a high degree of stigma and silence about suicide in society that extends into the workplace. If someone struggling knows that they can approach a colleague or manager and be listened to with empathy and without judgement, this could be the first step in accessing the help (Responding to suicide risk in the workplace: guidance for line managers).
• Support a friend, colleague or relative who may be experiencing a mental health problem and/or suicidal experiences, by knowing how to signpost them to more expert sources of help – for example, if an employee is experiencing mental health issues, referring them to an employee assistance programme (EAP) and occupational health services if available. Time to Changeand Samaritans provide key information and guidance on providing support.
• Be mindful of the language you use when talking about mental health and suicide. For example, try to avoid the phrase “committed suicide” and instead use expressions like “took their own life.” (More information can be found on the Mental Health Foundation website).
• Get involved with charities like Time to Change, Mindand Samaritans who are fighting to end the stigma around mental health problems and supporting people currently dealing with mental health problems and suicidal experiences.

Further information and resources

• Samaritans offer a support service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call them free on 116 123. You can also email jo@samaritans.org
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) has a helpline (5 pm to midnight) and webchat for anyone who is having a tough time and needs to talk.
• Papyrus supports people under 35 who have thoughts of suicide and others who are concerned about them. You can call their HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org. They are open 24 hours a day.
• Maytree offers free residential stays in London for people who are feeling suicidal.
• Support After Suicide offers practical and emotional support for people bereaved or affected by suicide.

World Suicide Prevention Day is a call to action for everyone to contribute to a more compassionate and connected world, where every life is valued, and help is always within reach.

Lizzy Turek

Client Research Associate