World Suicide Prevention Day 2022

Suicide is not inevitable. Suicide can be prevented.

By encouraging conversations, understanding the impact of language and noticing the signs someone could show we can all make a difference and stop the stigma around suicide and suicidal thoughts. 

This year we will be sharing information from a range of organisations with the aim of supporting you to:

Start a Conversation, Stop a Suicide

What can we all do?

Know the facts

There are many myths surrounding suicide. By understanding the facts, we are all in a better position to support someone who may be struggling. The Samaritans have created a helpful guide busting myths and replacing them with the facts Myths about Suicide.

Consider Language

The language we use when communicating about suicide is important as certain phrases can make others feel alienated or enforce negative stereotypes. We have shared a guide which helps explain the use of different terms and why to empower us all to have the confidence to talk about suicide. Please see the language guide at the end of the page.

Sign up for Suicide Training

Staff at Lancashire Mind are proud to be orange button holders. The orange button is worn by people in Lancashire and South Cumbria who have undergone extensive suicide prevention training, and while they are not able to counsel people, they can provide comprehensive signposting to relevant services. Become an orange button holder. Watch the orange button video

Stand with us and others

On World Suicide Prevention Day, Saturday 10th September, Lancashire Mind will be joining Blackburn with Darwen. They will be holding two public vigils in Blackburn & Darwen town centres and a candle-lit procession, to raise awareness of suicide in the borough. Find out more and join us!  

Young People

Sometimes young people do not have the confidence or language to explain their feelings and it's often not possible to know if someone is having suicidal thoughts. Papyrus share some of the indicators that someone, young or older, could experiencing thoughts of suicide How do I know if someone is suicidal?

BAME People

People from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, are more likely to experience things such as stigma, fear, lack of relatable services, access to services and lack of culturally sensitive treatment. All these things can act as barriers to accessing mental health care for people from BAME backgrounds and can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide. Rethink mental illness has full information and advice designed to support people from such backgrounds. Find out more here.

LGBTQ People

Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and suicidal
thoughts are more common among people who are LGBTQ. LGBTQ people can
experience things such as discrimination, homophobia or transphobia, social
isolation, rejection, and difficult experiences of coming out - which can all
impact their mental health. Take a look at Mind Out LGBTQ suicide prevention support. 

Lancashire People

Lancashire County Council has published data relating to suicides in Lancashire. Lancashire-suicide rate remains worse than the England rate since 2006-08. Read more in full.

Additional Support 

Amparo Lancashire is the biggest provider of Support After Suicide in the country. It is free and provides practical and emotional support for ANYONE affected by a Suicide.