Samaritans

World Suicide Prevention Day may be over, but the conversation definitely isn’t. Let's all make it our mission to do keep taking action to prevent suicide. Whether it's simply checking in on someone or sharing our number 💚

Yesterday was an important moment in bringing together changemakers who can make a real difference in preventing suicide. We marked World Suicide Prevention Day at a reception with Parliamentarians, civil servants and other partners kindly hosted by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, in his State Rooms. Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP gave a speech which centered on suicide prevention and commended Samaritans’ work “I want to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of Samaritans who’ve been a lifeline to people in despair for decades. Your work saves lives and your expertise shapes national policy.” Together we will keep pushing to keep suicide prevention on the political agenda and save lives.

‼️Stop scrolling. This is too important to miss. This World Suicide Prevention Day, we need everyone to know: suicide isn’t inevitable, and anyone can help interrupt someone‘s suicidal thoughts. When someone feels suicidal their thoughts can become repetitive and overwhelming, leaving the person feeling trapped. Even a small interruption can help to distract someone from the cycle of their thoughts. We know this from people who’ve experienced it themselves, and we’ve worked with them to create a guide on how to interrupt suicidal thoughts: https://bit.ly/464imHb

If you take one thing from World Suicide Prevention Day today it should be this: if you think someone isn’t OK, ask them about it. You can interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts. You could even save their life. Let’s prevent suicide today. Because tomorrow’s too late.

To anyone affected by suicide, whether you’re missing someone you’ve lost, struggling with suicidal thoughts yourself or supporting someone who is going through it right now – we’re thinking of you this World Suicide Prevention Day. Just a reminder that if you find World Suicide Prevention Day hard, for any reason, it really is OK to switch off from social media tomorrow. Take care of yourselves 💚 We’re always here to talk on 116 123 📱

We know that reaching out for support and calling us can be a big step 💚 Don’t worry if you feel nervous or unsure of what to say at first, that’s OK. We may ask a few questions to help you explore how you feel. You could be going through something new or have been struggling to cope for some time. Either way, we’re here for you 24/7 on 116 123 📱

Barclays’ customer service team speak to some of their most vulnerable customers who might be experiencing life’s most challenging situations. Over the past year, they had sadly seen a 20% increase in these customers expressing suicidal thoughts on their calls. Without training, it can be challenging to know what to say or how to handle these situations at work. They turned to us for help. Together, we developed bespoke training to equip their staff with the skills to listen without judgement, signpost to support and have life-saving conversations. Since the training, there have been situations where staff have been able to intervene and make sure customers expressing suicidal thoughts have got the help they needed. Watch the video to find out more about our work with Barclays, or visit https://lnkd.in/ePD5z9Y8  

If life feels too heavy, please reach out. You’re never truly alone, even if it feels that way right now. Talking to a friend, a family member, your GP, or someone you trust can really help. And remember, we’re always here to listen 24/7 on 116 123.

When someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it can be really hard for them to talk about it. They might worry about how others will react, or not know how to put their feelings into words. Sometimes instead of saying it directly, people might use certain phrases that hint to how they’re feeling. We’ve shared a few examples of what to look out for. These phrases don’t automatically mean someone is having suicidal thoughts, but they are a sign someone is struggling and needs support. If you’re ever worried, it’s OK to ask directly if they’re having any thoughts about suicide. It won’t make things worse. It could be the start of someone feeling less alone with what they’re going through. Find more info on how to help if you’re worried about someone: https://bit.ly/3fdmc4B

If your thoughts are really heavy today – please read this and know that you’re not alone. You can always talk to us on 116 123.