Friday 10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day. With suicide rates of young people aged 10-24 reaching their highest in 2019 since 2012, it’s clear we need to provide meaningful support for young people. 

What is the reality of suicide in the UK?

  • Almost 200 young people die by suicide each year.

  • In the UK in 2019, 6,524 people took their own lives.

  • Suicide is the leading cause of death in young people in the UK, accounting for 14% of deaths in 10-19-year-olds.

 

There is still a huge stigma around mental health, which results in many people hiding how they really feel. This can contribute to feelings of isolation and hopelessness.

In Samaritans’ study into suicide in under 20-year olds, it was concluded that often, a combination of factors drive a young person to suicide. Among the most dominant was social isolation – one of the ten most common themes in suicide in young people.

This year’s theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is Creating Hope Through Action. To honour this, we’re highlighting the organisations that have been created by those left behind, to help others in a similar situation.

 

The Charlie Waller Trust

When Charlie Waller took his own life at the age of 28, his family founded The Charlie Waller Trust. They wanted to open up the conversation around depression and help young people understand their mental health.

The trust has been able to benefit tens of thousands of young people and gives people around those struggling the knowledge and skills to support them. 

If you’re a parent or carer, you can find the Trust’s support groups here.

For guides, workbooks, and more resources, click here.

 

Andy’s Man Club

After Andy Roberts committed suicide when he was 23, Andy’s Man Club was founded to stand against the stigma around men opening up about mental health. The clubs, now all over the UK, have been set up to support men struggling and to lend a hand in suicide prevention. Andy’s Man Club makes it clear that to reach out, you don’t have to be suicidal or have a mental health problem; they just want to get men talking.

You can find your nearest talking group session here.

For more information about Andy’s Man Club, or a helping hand, you can fill out this form or email info@andysmanclub.co.uk.

 

Hope After Suicide Loss UK

Based in Suffolk, and extending their presence to Norfolk, Hope After Suicide Loss UK provides a range of support for those affected by suicide. Suzy Clifford, HOPE Service Manager, was bereaved by suicide in 2009. During this time, she felt isolated and misunderstood; it was this experience that motivated her to provide a service that responds to the aftermath of this trauma.

You can access their support by attending their in-person groups, or contacting them by email or telephone.

Email support@hopeaftersuicideloss.org.uk or call 01284 760 897 for more information or support.

 

Don’t Suffer In Silence

Marcus Tisson founded Don’t Suffer in Silence after he lost his mother to suicide in 2016. DSIS aims to support people in their battle against depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses by organising mental health fundraisers in aid of charities and providing support groups nationwide.

Fill in this form to reach out for help.

 

Who Can I Call in a Crisis?

 

Samaritans. Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email jo@samaritans for a reply within 24 hours.

 

SHOUT. Text SHOUT to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text YM if you’re under 19.

 

SANEline. If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or you’re supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 between 4.30 pm and 10.30 pm.

 

CALM. Call 0800 58 58 58 between 5 pm and midnight if you are struggling and need to talk. Or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service.

 

The Mix. If you’re under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (Sunday-Friday 2 pm–11 pm), request support by email using the form on The Mix website, or use their crisis text messenger service.

 

Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10 am-10 pm, weekends 2 pm-10 pm and bank holidays 2 pm–10 pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.

 

Nightline. If you’re a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.

 

Switchboard. If you identify as LGBTQ+ you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 between 10 am and 10 pm, email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBTQ+.

 

C.A.L.L. If you live in Wales, you can call the Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) on 0800 132 737, or you can text ‘help’ followed by a question to 81066.