World Suicide Prevention Day – 10th September
- An estimated 703,000 people a year take their life around the world. To prevent suicide requires us to become a beacon of light to those in pain. You can #BeTheLight.
- at 8PM on #WSPD, join us in lighting a candle to show your support for suicide prevention, to remember a loved one & for the survivors of suicide
- This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay you can #BeTheLight by encouraging understanding, reaching in and sharing your experiences.
- Suicide can affect every one of us. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma & encouraging action we can help to reduce the instances of suicide around the world. #WSPD2022
- #CreatingHopeThroughAction is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide. Our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is a significant advocacy and communication based event aimed at reaching national organisations, governments and the general public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.
WSPD is considered an effective tool in these efforts and the WHO Report: Preventing Suicide: a Global Imperative (WHO, 2014) marks it as a policy achievement, stating:
‘This day has spurred campaigns both nationally and locally and has contributed to raising awareness and reducing stigma’.
WSPD continues to grow year on year, with recent years seeing the day observed in more than 60 countries with hundreds of events ranging from educational and commemorative events to press briefings and public conferences. The Internet and Social Media coverage has ensured millions of people around the world are linked to WSPD on September 10th and in 2020 the IASP produced Step Closer film was viewed over 30 million times. Recent WSPD Impact reports can be viewed here.
Read Helen’s Story of losing her partner to suicide when they’re children were very young here.