World Suicide Prevention Day 2021: Creating hope through action
Every year, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide.
World Suicide Prevention Day is recognised on the 10 September every year.
This year's theme, which will be the theme until 2023, is 'Creating Hope Through Action', which aims to empower people with the confidence to engage with the complexity of 'hope'.
Suicide Prevention: Our Vision at GMMH
We have a vision for Greater Manchester, where it will become a place where people do not see suicide as their only option.
You can access our Suicide Prevention resources page to find useful links and resources from organisations who can provide support. We have also created pages with information for people thinking about ending their life, support for those bereaved and if you're worried about someone ending their life. Please follow the relevant link to find more information.
We also advocate for the importance of responsible reporting of suicide in the media, sharing information a video of Lorna Fraser Media Advisor at Samaritans, discussing how this can be improved and what to do if you're worried about someone. You can view this video here.
The Suicide, Risk and Safety Research Unit
In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, our Suicide, Risk and Safety Research Unit have shared an update about some of the research currently being conducted such as, the CARMS trial, the PROSPECT study and National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health. Read more here.
For World Suicide Prevention Day 2021, there are also a variety of campaigns and events taking place throughout the day, with some continuing into the Month of Hope.
Greater Manchester Month of Hope
World Suicide Prevention Day also signifies the beginning of the Greater Manchester Month of Hope, which runs from the 10 September until World Mental Health Day on the 10 October.
The month is about promoting and raising awareness of suicide and encouraging people to have open conversations about suicide whilst also sharing positive messages of hope across Greater Manchester.
For more information, please visit the Shining a Light on Suicide website.
The Greater Manchester Bereavement Service is also available to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief.
Light a candle
On World Suicide Prevention Day, The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) is asking people to light a candle near a window at 8pm to show your support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one and for the survivors of suicide.
Training & Events
You can keep up-to-date with events taking place on World Suicide Prevention Day on our Events Calendar on the intranet. We have also picked out a couple of training sessions and events taking place, please click the relevant links to find out more:
- Suicide Awareness Training by Shining a Light on Suicide
- Health Education eLearning: New session added to Suicide and Self-harm Prevention module
- World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil & Procession of Remembrance
- Suicide Bereavement Conference: Thinking Out of the Box!
Social Media: #WSPD2021
On Suicide Prevention Day this year, Samaritans are asking people to share on social media the things that they do which helps them feel hopeful when they're going through a difficult time, tagging in @samaritanscharity. For example:
- Reaching out for a coffee with your best friend
- Taking a walk in the fields and letting the wind blow everything away
- Going for a run along the seafront
Share what makes you feel hopeful on Friday 10 September and use the hashtag #WSPD2021!
