Suicide prevention awareness day – changing the narrative on suicide

Suicide Prevention Awareness Day Wednesday 10 September 2025

Communities across Shropshire are being encouraged to take part in this year’s World Suicide prevention awareness day.

The annual event on 10 September 2025, brings together organisations and communities around the world to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide and give the singular message that suicides are preventable.

This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of changing the way we talk about and perceive this complex issue.

Following World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re running a new series of Talking Suicide Seminars across Shropshire.

Over the next eight weeks, these free community events will be held in market towns throughout the county. Delivered in partnership with Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Samaritans, the seminars aim to continue the vital conversations around suicide, reduce stigma, and create safe spaces for people to share their experiences.

Each seminar will explore how we can talk about suicide in a way that is compassionate, supportive, and stigma-breaking. Whether you’re a resident, professional, or someone affected by suicide, these events are open to all and designed to foster understanding and connection within our communities.

As part of the campaign, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) is issuing a call to action: “Start the Conversation.” This call encourages individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to engage in open, honest discussions about mental health and suicide.

By starting conversations, people can check in with a friend or loved one, share personal stories and advocate for mental health resources and support services. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a more supportive and understanding society.

Cllr Bernie Bentick, Portfolio Holder for Health and Public Protection, said:

Suicides are among the most devastating tragedies for families, colleagues, communities and those in the emergency services.

The mental anguish felt by those contemplating, attempting or committing suicide must be overwhelming.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s all strive to maintain our own mental health and that of our loved ones by talking openly about how we’re feeling with those we trust and love.

Start the conversation

There are many ways to start a conversation about suicide and mental health. Here are some tips on how to open up a conversation with someone you are worried about:

• Choose a good time and somewhere without distractions
• Use open questions that need more than a yes/no answer, such as “How are things, I’ve noticed you don’t seem quite yourself?”
• Listen well and ask how they are feeling, such as “How’s that making you feel?”
• Avoid giving your view of what’s wrong or what they should do
• Ask if they are feeling suicidal and help them get the support they need

Do’s and don’ts

The language we use is also important when talking about suicide and mental health. Here are some do’s and don’ts of safe communication:

• Do report content that talks about suicide or self-harm in an unsafe way online
• Don’t share or repost anything that mentions the method or location of a suicide, as this can lead to further suicides. Instead, focus on raising awareness and signposting to help
• Do post sources of support and share stories of hope and recovery
• Don’t use language that could come across as judgmental, such as “don’t do anything stupid”. Instead, actively listen and offer support
• Do say “took his/her/their own life” or “died by suicide”
• Don’t say “committed suicide”, as this suggests suicide is illegal, which it isn’t

Help for managing suicidal thoughts

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings, there is help available.

• Samaritans – For immediate emotional support 24/7 and 365 days of the year call or text Samaritans for free on 116 123. You can also write to jo@samaritans.org or pop in for a face-to-face support service.

• Papyrus – For young people under the age of 35 or concerns a young person is thinking of suicide call Papyrus Hopeline 24/7 – 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967.
• Shropshire Mental Health Support – Provide immediate support for any person with emotional or mental health needs, including long-term enduring mental health needs or those triggered by recent incidents. Also support for families, friends, carers, and all professionals, with support or guidance needs. Visit www.shropshiremhs.com or call 01743 368 647.
• NHS 111 – call NHS 111 and select the mental health option – this is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the team will help you find the support and help you need

• If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, you can call 0345 678 9028 and you will be signposted to the right service.
• For more information on the support available locally and nationally, visit shropshire.gov.uk/suicideprevention

Shropshire Mental Health Support – Drop In at Frankwell

Shropshire Mental Health Support will be outside Guildhall in Frankwell, Shrewsbury, providing opportunity to drop by for confidential support and advice with a safe space to talk about your own emotional wellbeing or concerns for others.  Staff and volunteers will be on hand to offer practical guidance, listening support and signposting to further services

Launch of Orange Button Community Scheme

To support this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, Wednesday 10 September, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin (STW) Suicide Prevention Network are launching the Orange Button Scheme.

The  Orange Button Community Scheme  is a way of identifying people that have undertaken suicide prevention training. Wearing the button says they have the confidence to talk to others about suicide.

The Orange Button Community Scheme trains community members to provide a listening ear and signpost people to professional services for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress. Individuals who complete specialized, quality-assured mental health and suicide prevention training can wear an Orange Button badge, making them visible and approachable points of contact. The scheme creates a network of trained individuals and supportive organizations across various communities, aiming to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide accessible support for people in need.

It is a way of showing people in your community who are having thoughts of suicide, or are worried about somebody else, that you are:

• Comfortable to say/hear the word suicide

• Can listen without judgement

• Can inform people where to find help and support

The cost of a suicide to society and to loved ones is devastating. By any measure, suicide prevention is a worthwhile investment.

The Orange Button Scheme now allows a member of the public to identify who has been trained, and approach for advice and support.

Hundreds of people receive mental health training each year – for example through workplace schemes.

To become an Orange Button badge holder, individuals need to have completed the Quality Assured training course.

Details on the scheme and how to access the above training can be found on Shropshire Council’s Healthy Lives webpage: Mental health | Shropshire Council or by emailing orangebutton@shropshire.gov.uk

Free events