Each September survivors, organizations, and advocates celebrate Suicide Prevention Month while highlighting initiatives that raise awareness around saving lives from suicide. This September is no different as Suicide Prevention UK joins forces with our community partners to engage the community and encourage everyone to learn what role they can play in suicide prevention.
While these events are extremely important to help our community heighten awareness around suicide prevention, we will continue our mission-driven work beyond these events and work daily to raise awareness and connect those in need to resources. September is such a crucial month in the work that we do, but our hope at Suicidee Prevention UK is that awareness and energy around suicide prevention will continue long beyond September 30th and become a core part of the fabric of our community.
Each of us has the power to make a difference in someone’s life. We never know what someone may be experiencing or whether they are too scared or feel too alone to reach out for help. I challenge each of you to offer a smile to a stranger, say a kind word to someone you may be passing, ask someone how they are doing and truly listen to their answer, don’t just move on to the next task on your list, and be more aware of your surroundings and who around you may be feeling down or not seeming like themselves. These are things each of us can do. So my challenge to you is to choose just one of these if that feels more comfortable, and do it a few times this month. See how it feels. And keep it going into October, November, and into the holidays!
If you or someone you know is struggling with any mental health crisis, please contact 0800 689 5652 to talk to a trained crisis counsellor today.