World Suicide Prevention Day 2025
Wednesday 10 September is World Suicide Prevention day.
It’s not always easy to talk about suicide, but it’s something we need to talk about.
Often, people experiencing suicidal thoughts feel isolated, unheard, or misunderstood. A simple, genuine conversation can be powerful.
Listening without judgment, without rushing to offer solutions, allows someone to feel seen.
Sometimes, what a person needs most is the assurance that their feelings are acknowledged and that they are not facing it alone. This can help to disrupt/interrupt their suicidal thoughts.
Knowing how to talk to someone you are concerned about can be hard, starting the conversation or asking someone outright if they are having suicidal thoughts can be a scary thing to do for many reasons, you might be scared of the response you will get and how to deal with the outcome of the conversation. You might be scared of the reaction they have to the question. But just asking can sometimes be the thing that helps interrupt their thoughts. Here is some information on what to do if someone has told you they are feeling suicidal.
In North Somerset we offer free training courses to any one that works or volunteers in North Somerset on suicide prevention.
SafeTALK
SafeTALK is a half-day training in suicide alertness. It helps participants recognise a person with thoughts of suicide and connect them with resources who can help them in choosing to live.
Next training date
25 September – 09:30-13:15 – Clevedon Town Council, BS21 6BU
The Zero Suicide Alliance offer free training courses on suicide including veterans and suicide and autism and suicide.
Did you know…
Men are still dying by suicide at a much higher rate than women. And often, it’s not because they don’t have feelings, it’s because they don’t feel able to talk about it.
Why?
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Many men feel like they have to “keep it together” or “be strong” all the time.
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Opening up can feel scary, or even shameful, because of how society views male vulnerability.
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Mental health struggles often go unnoticed or untreated — especially when someone seems “fine” on the outside
In North Somerset we have help and support specific to men.
North Somerset Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Action Plan.
In North Somerset we have an action plan for reducing death by suicide, you can read more on this here.