Every year on 10 September, people and organisations around the world come together to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage conversations around suicide and remind people that support is available.

This year, Samaritans is sharing one important message:

If you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care.

Suicide is not inevitable. Suicidal thoughts can be interrupted, and a small action or moment of connection could make a difference.

You do not have to be an expert to show someone that you care. Checking in with someone, starting a conversation or simply taking the time to listen could help interrupt difficult or overwhelming thoughts and remind someone that they are not alone.

Anyone can make a difference

Samaritans has worked with people with lived experience of suicidal thoughts to share practical ways that others can offer support.

Sometimes, an interruption can come from someone close, such as a friend, family member or colleague. Other times, a small act of kindness or concern from someone less familiar can make a difference.

If you are worried that someone may be struggling, it is better to reach out than to say nothing.

For information and practical guidance on supporting someone you are worried about, visit the Samaritans World Suicide Prevention Day campaign.

Find out more about how to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts.

Support for yourself

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please remember that you do not have to face them alone. Talking to someone and reaching out for support can be an important first step.

Samaritans has also developed guidance and ideas to help people experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Find support and ideas to help interrupt suicidal thoughts.

How Interlink RCT Can Help

At Interlink RCT, we know that people can face many different challenges and sometimes it can be difficult to know where to turn.

If you’re aged 16 or over, our Wellbeing Coordinator Team will work with you to identify what matters most to you and help you access people, activities, groups and opportunities in your community that support your wellbeing.

The team can support with a wide range of issues, including:

• Emotional health and wellbeing
• Friendship and connection
• Housing, benefits and financial concerns
• Healthy lifestyle choices
• Accessing specialist services and support
• Finding local groups and activities
• Employment, volunteering and learning opportunities

Sometimes, having someone to talk to and helping you find the right support can make all the difference.

Find out more about our Wellbeing Coordination Service.

Contact the Wellbeing Coordination Team:
Call: 07526 571340
Email: wellbeing@interlinkrct.org.uk

Meet Shaun – Our Mental Health Involvement and Development Officer

Shaun, our Mental Health Service Involvement Officer, works to ensure that the voices and experiences of people with lived experience of mental health challenges help shape local services.

He also works closely with local groups and organisations, helping them access information and support so they can continue making a difference within their communities.

Shaun and colleagues across Interlink RCT are passionate about creating opportunities for people to connect, talk openly and access the support they need.

To contact Shaun:
Email: SParfitt@interlinkrct.org.uk
Call: 07511 829985

Samaritans are here to listen

Whatever you are going through, you do not have to face it alone.

Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone who needs someone to talk to.

Call Samaritans free on 116 123

You can also visit the Samaritans website for more information and support: https://www.samaritans.org/

Let’s prevent suicide today

This World Suicide Prevention Day, we can all take a moment to check in with the people around us.

A conversation. A kind word. A simple question. An offer to listen.

If you think someone might be struggling, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them that you care.

Small moments of connection can make a difference.

Let’s continue to create communities where people feel able to talk, ask for help and know that they are not alone.