Towards Zero Suicide CIC’s Post

Today is Suicide Prevention Day. 386 suicides were registered in Wales in 2023, that makes 14% of deaths that year alone. Scotland was over double with 792. SO LET'S TALK ABOUT IT Suicide isn't taboo or something we should avoid talking about. It's an illness that claims too many lives. This year's goal is ''Creating Hope Through Action" and it got me thinking... I have over 500 connections here, so if we all took the time to contact 5 people today that's at least 2500+ friends and family members. If the people you contact then contacted at least 5 people each, that's 12,500. It may seem like a small dent, but that alone is bound to help someone. ____________________________________________________________________________ Here's some great numbers and resources for the UK: Samaritans – 116 123 (24/7 free helpline) Website: www.samaritans.org Shout – Text "SHOUT" to 85258 (24/7 text support) Website: www.giveusashout.org Mind – 0300 123 3393 (Mental health support) Website: www.mind.org.uk Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – 0800 58 58 58 (5 PM – Midnight) Website: www.thecalmzone.net __________________________________________________________________________ Here's some for my international connections: United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 (or 988) Canada: Crisis Services Canada – 1-833-456-4566 Australia: Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 India: Snehi India – 91-22-2772 6771/2 International: Visit befrienders.org for helplines in many countries ____________________________________________________________________________ Share to your pages, spread awareness.

29 days to go, until one of the most inspiring and forward thinking suicide prevention conferences of 2024. Would your organisation, workplace or perhaps people in your network like to collaborate and have your own table at the #ZeroSuicideSociety #JoinTheDots launch conference on June 12th, at the iconic Baths Hall in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire at a huge saving compared with purchasing individual tickets? 👉See the attached flyer for details and then email hello@theJordanlegacy.com. This event, brought to you by Towards Zero Suicide CIC in collaborative partnership by The Jordan Legacy CIC, is designed to showcase aspects of the 'ground-breaking' report we published in July 2023; "Moving Towards a Zero Suicide Society", which maps out how we get the numbers of suicides on a downward trend, towards Zero and the practical actions required to get there. In April this year, the Office for National Statistics published its latest suicide statistics for the period from 2022-23, which showed an average increase in suicides in England of 6%. That includes an 8% increase in female suicides, 5% in males, in fact an average increase in people taking their own lives across virtually every gender age group! On June 12th, if you work in healthcare, or you lead a team in your workplace, maybe you run a community organisation or you're responsible for educating young people, perhaps your a worried parent or you're involved in suicide prevention in some way, this event will provide you with an understanding of just how big a problem we face as a society and why we can no longer continue to lose 6000+ men, women and children to one of the most preventable deaths in the UK. We know that anyone can be impacted by suicide and yet everyone can play a part in reducing the numbers. When I lost my son, Jordan, to suicide in December 2019, I vowed that I would do whatever I could to prevent the same happening to any other family. But we need an army of educated and activated people, who are willing and able to collaborate - together, we know we can move closer to a 'Zero Suicide Society', one that is willing and able to do all it can to prevent all preventable suicides. Here's what I would recommend if you care enough and want to make a difference: ✅Check out the amazing conference line up on the website here: https://lnkd.in/ew6YZavx ✅Decide if attending is important to you and whether anyone else would like to attend the event with you? ✅Book your ticket(s) at just £120 each, via the links provided on the website or contact hello@thejordanlegacy.com if you would like to reserve a table of between 5-9 people and potentially save up to 55% on individual ticket prices. ✅Please let others know in your network that this event is happening. During the 40 seconds that it's taken you to read this post, someone somewhere in the world has just taken their own life. Together, we can change this. #suicideprevention

World Suicide Prevention Day at Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust: A Commitment to Saving Lives. As we approach World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, it’s a time to reflect on the importance of mental health and how we can all play a role in preventing suicide. The theme for 2024, "Creating Hope Through Action," is a reminder that suicide is preventable, and by working together, we can save lives. World Suicide Prevention Day, organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to promote worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. The theme for 2024, “Creating Hope Through Action,” underscores the message that suicides are preventable, and through collaborative efforts, lives can be saved. In the UK, nearly 6,000 people die by suicide each year, according to the Office for National Statistics. The impact is profound, leaving behind grieving families, friends, and communities. The stigma surrounding mental health issues and suicide often prevents individuals from seeking the help they need, making awareness and support efforts crucial. At Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH), we are committed to supporting our communities in preventing suicide and reducing the stigma around mental health. By fostering a culture of care, both within our organisation and in the communities we serve, we can encourage conversations and offer vital support to those in need. It would be tone deaf to not acknowledge the importance of this day and the impact that talking about it and having an open conversation can help to reduce the stigma faced by people left to suffer alone. Therefore, it is important to remember that suicide is not distinguished by looks, characteristics, age, gender, race or personality. Anyone can feel suicidal at any point in their life this can be due to a range of personal factors. We believe that no one should have to face mental health challenges alone. Whether you are struggling personally or know someone who is, it's important to reach out. Support is available, and small actions can make a big difference. Helpful Charities: Mind Samaritans Calm SOS Silence of Suicide If U Care Share Foundation StepChange Debt Charity (Government Scheme (debt/financial stress) Let’s work together to create hope and take meaningful action to support mental health. Join us in showing your support for #WorldSuicidePreventionDay by commenting or sharing this post. Together, we can make a difference. #CLCHCares #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #WSPD

𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: Suicide is a tragedy that disproportionately affects those living in poverty, financial, food & other forms, limited access to healthcare. In England, the most deprived areas have almost double the suicide rate compared to the least deprived areas (14.1 vs 7.4 per 100,000 people, ONS 2017-2019). This stark reality demands action. 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬:  https://lnkd.in/e8fUDZki 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞: 𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐭𝐰𝐨-𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡: 𝟏. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: Educational initiatives can help individuals recognise warning signs. 𝟐. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Stigma surrounding mental health thrives in silence. 𝐏𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭/𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞: Traditional support systems may not always reach those most vulnerable. Here's where peer support networks shine. Training individuals within deprived communities to recognise risk factors and provide emotional support can create a crucial safety net, plus they are extremely cost effective!  Tell that to your local chair of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) formerly CCG’s! 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Let us normalise conversations about mental health. Encourage people to "Ask Twice” - a simple yet powerful approach to checking in on someone's well-being. 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: Communities can explore various avenues for funding, including: 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: The UK government has a suicide prevention strategy with potential funding opportunities. (https://lnkd.in/e6BPGgsq) https://lnkd.in/e6sqRHkE  𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝: This competitive grant program from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) provides funding to voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations (https://lnkd.in/eC-BfBCy) 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: These efforts align with the UK's national suicide prevention strategy, which aims to reduce suicide rates across the country. The lived experience voice plays a critical role in informing this strategy and ensuring its effectiveness. Please see the https://lnkd.in/eabBxFsb a powerful read! 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡. 𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭! #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #LivedExperienceMatters Paul Vittles Steve Phillip Ottilia Pochat Maggi Rose

On the eve of Suicide Prevention Day, we mourn the loss of another courageous member of the Western Australian Police. Individuals, communities, organizations, and government entities must work together to reshape the conversation surrounding suicide. By addressing this issue collaboratively across various sectors, we can foster a more supportive and compassionate society where suicide becomes preventable, and every individual feels valued and understood. The suicide rates among police officers in Australia have alarmingly increased, with figures rising from 5.9 deaths per 100,000 serving officers in the year 2000 to 14 per 100,000 in 2022. Unfortunately, the leading cause of death for police officers in Australia remains suicide, often referred to as "the black dog." As a First Responder advocate, I, along with my peers, am calling for more open discussions regarding the mental health challenges faced by those in policing. Over the past decade, the suicide rate among Australian police officers has more than doubled. The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, "Changing the Narrative on Suicide," encourages individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to engage in open and honest dialogues about suicide and suicidal behaviour. By fostering these essential conversations, we can dismantle barriers, raise awareness, and cultivate a culture of understanding and support. Unfortunately, many still resort to harmful and outdated phrases like "committed suicide" or "please don’t do anything stupid," which hinder societal progress in reducing stigma. The language we use is significant, and workplaces play a vital role in normalizing discussions surrounding suicide and educating people on how to approach these conversations. Each year, we take this time to remember those we have lost to suicide. We honour their memory, grieve their absence, and celebrate the joy they brought into our lives and the world. Their loss is felt deeply, and we must reflect on our past efforts to save lives and consider what more we can do to improve and protect others. I encourage you to reach out to your colleagues, friends, family members, or even acquaintances, and ask how they are doing. Inquire about their feelings and needs. If you suspect someone may be contemplating suicide, don’t hesitate to ask, "Are you thinking about suicide?" develop your knowledge to navigate these conversations. You don’t need to have all the answers; sometimes, just being there and listening is enough. If they require assistance beyond your capacity, help them connect with a mental health professional. Promoting effective communication and building strong connections with the people in our lives is essential if we are to work together to save the lives of the ones we love. #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #redsix #reducethestigma #livedexperience #firstresponders #police #fire #ambulance #emergencyservices #indigenoussuicideprevention #community #australia #WSPD24

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. As we approach a change of seasons, It's a crucial time to show compassion and understanding for those who are grappling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Despite sharing this planet, we each carry our own burdens and sometimes feel incredibly isolated and alone. We never know what someone else is dealing with --- so its time to start having those conversations! Call to Action: Let’s make a difference together! Reach out to a stranger, friend, family member, or colleague today. A simple message or call can mean the world to someone who might be struggling. Share your love and support, and encourage others to do the same. The impact of being thought of can send ripples💙 Remember, spreading kindness and fostering connections can save lives. Let’s be there for each other, we are all living on this world together. #SuicidePreventionMonth #YouAreNotAlone #SpreadLove Most recent Research: With a global population of 8.1 billion people, it’s alarming to note that suicide rates have increased by 33% between 1999 and 2019 and is seeing an annual rise with the current state of the world. In 2022 studies show that suicide took the lives of 14 per 100,000 individuals. In 2022, men died by suicide 3.85 times more than women. White males accounted for 68.46% of suicide deaths in 2022. In 2022, firearms accounted for 54.64% of all suicide deaths. 94% of adults surveyed in the U.S. think suicide can be prevented. This highlights the urgent need to address this crisis and spread love and support. Resources for Support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate help. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Digital Toolkit for Suicide Prevention Month. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Suicide Prevention Month Resources. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Suicide Prevention Strategies. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Support and Resources.

On 4 July 2024, we waved goodbye to the worst Government in history for #SuicidePrevention, in terms of the rise in suicides while the Conservatives were 'in power', and welcomed a new Labour Govt which we hoped would do better, partly on the basis they couldn't do any worse! To some extent, it's still 'early days' for the new Govt but they've now been 'in power' for 4 months - enough time for a King's Speech, a Party Conference, a Budget, the rolling out of policies they've had 14 years in Opposition to prepare... ...and enough time for another 2,300 preventable deaths by suicide in the UK. What has the new Govt done so far? Not a lot! Is it that they don't have the will or don't feel they have the way, or both? They shouldn't be thinking they don't have the way, as we've clearly outlined how to get the suicide numbers down. In 2023, myself & Steve Phillip carried out action research focused on the practical actions that will get the suicide numbers down, and we published the report 'Moving Towards a Zero Suicide Society'. This mapped out a detailed vision of what a #ZeroSuicideSociety looks like, fleshing out the initial definition of "a society that is willing and able to do all it can to prevent all preventable suicides", and listing the practical actions that we can all take and we need others to take to realise this vision and get the suicide numbers on a downward trend #TowardsZeroSuicide We set out the specific measures and practical actions we need from Govt/govt/parliament, and put up a petition with a package of proposals, as co-created through the action research, under the banner of a 'Suicide Prevention Act'. We got 10,000 petition signatures so there had to be a formal written response. We got a response but it was a poor, inadequate, dismissive, defensive, incompetent response which suggested the will wasn't there. I've just written and published a piece about this period, the petition proposals, and where we are now. It's not a happy place. The suicide numbers are rising. The new Govt is not acting. The new Govt appears to have swallowed, not challenged, the previous Govt's National Suicide Prevention Strategy which was widely seen as woeful in its low ambition. And so there's a danger of further institutionalised low ambition in Govt/govt. And, perhaps most disturbing of all, very few people and organisations working in suicide prevention are demanding a much more ambitious National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England; many are simply asking for the existing Strategy - that woefully low ambition Strategy - to be implemented. We need more people and organisations not prepared to tolerate such low ambition. We need more people and organisations working in what is usually called 'suicide prevention' to go further and commit to being in the business of #SuicideReduction! https://lnkd.in/eWkD9JDp

CHANGING THE NARRATIVE: A CALL TO DECRIMINALIZE SUICIDE ON WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about suicide and to promote prevention strategies. The theme for 2024, "Changing the Narrative," underscores the urgent need to shift societal attitudes and perceptions surrounding suicide. A critical aspect of this narrative transformation is the imperative to decriminalize suicide. Suicide and attempted suicide is still considered illegal in atleast 23 countries worldwide. For centuries, suicide has been shrouded in stigma and taboo. This negative perception has often led to discrimination, marginalization, and criminalization of those who have attempted or completed suicide. Such attitudes have contributed to a culture of silence and secrecy, hindering open conversations about mental health and preventing individuals from seeking the support they need. The criminalization of suicide can have devastating consequences. It further stigmatizes individuals and their families, exacerbating feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. Additionally, the threat of legal repercussions can deter people from seeking help, as they fear being punished rather than supported. This can lead to a vicious cycle, where individuals are denied the opportunity to address their mental health concerns and may be more likely to engage in harmful behaviors. Suicide is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, including mental health conditions, social isolation, economic hardship, and trauma. Instead of punitive measures, we must foster a culture of compassion and understanding. By recognizing suicide as a global health issue and prioritizing prevention strategies, we can create a more supportive environment for individuals at risk. Decriminalizing suicide is a crucial step in changing the narrative and promoting mental health well-being. It sends a clear message that individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts are not criminals but rather people in need of support and care. Decriminalization can also facilitate the development of comprehensive suicide prevention programs that address the underlying causes of suicidal behavior and provide accessible resources for individuals and their families. The theme of "Changing the Narrative" for World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 is a powerful call to action. By decriminalizing suicide, we can dismantle harmful stigmas, promote mental health well-being, and create a more compassionate and inclusive society. Let us embrace this opportunity to make a difference and ensure that individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts receive the support, understanding, and resources they deserve. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay. #ChangingtheNarrative. #DecriminalizaSuicide

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). WHO has been co-sponsor of the day. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented. “Changing the narrative on suicide” Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700 000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide. The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support. The call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support. In Zambia 11 Mar 2024 — Between January and September, 2023, at the largest hospital, a total of 209 suicide cases were recorded. WHO 29 Aug 2024 — More than 720 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. Eleven children aged eight to fifteen years who committed suicide between June 2019 and September 2020 Loosing young children and adults is very painful especially if it can be avoided through a simple encouragement,support of just listening. We have heard of the such cases in our communities and we have experienced a loss from suicide attacks. I have countless times, I lost 3 relatives this year, and a friend lost her husband. There is a list of questions left behind that won’t be answered, a lot of grief and depression that cause you to wonder if you could have done better. We need to know at a lot of attention to the people around us, what they say or what they do are small clues they leave behind. We all facing different challenges that gives us anxiety, stress and depression to give up life when this don’t work out for us. Find someone to talk too when you start to feel the pain and negative thoughts, seek help and take care of your mental well being. Let us be each other’s keeper, let us be there for one another. To all those that have lost a loved one we pray for you, to those families who have suffered through this tragedy we pray you find peace and comfort. Let us continue to raise awareness and save lives. 🕯️ By Ruby N. Kryticous #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #SupportandListen #AwarnessOnSuicidePreventionSaveslives

Kia ora koutou 💙 suicide is a tragic and complex issue and casts a long shadow over whānau affecting all ages and all walks of life. The impact reverberates through close-knit communities and leaves behind a trail of grief, confusion, and unanswered questions. While the challenges are immense, there is hope as agencies, hauora providers, and whānau together explore innovative approaches and invest in culturally responsive solutions grounded in te ao Māori. An example of this is the He Arotake Report on Suicide Prevention and Postvention, just released by our Hauora Māori Service Directorate. In developing it, they collaborated with whānau affected by suicide, hapū, communities, health professionals, and suicide prevention services. Kaupapa Māori approaches can play a significant role in the reduction of suicide in communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. But this needs to be backed by a more culturally responsive workforce and greater efforts to equip whānau and communities with practical tools to prevent suicide. The He Arotake Report will inform the development of a new Suicide Prevention Action Plan, integrating findings and ensuring consistency with kaupapa Māori principles. 🔗 Read the comprehensive He Arotake: Te Aka Whai Ora Suicide Prevention and Postvention Review: https://lnkd.in/gqVikY8S Image description: Picture of the front cover of the He Arotake Report, which is black, white and orange, and contains a Māori design.