Each year on 10 September, the world comes together to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. It aims to raise awareness about suicide, promote understanding, and inspire action to create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.

The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with the call to action #StartTheConversation. The theme promotes the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. 

Recent figures released by the Office for National Statistics showed 6,069 suicides were registered in the England and Wales in 2023, up from 5,642 in 2022 and the highest rate since 1999. Men are most at risk, making up three quarters of those deaths, but the female suicide rate reached its highest level since 1994.

The effects of suicide can be devastating and long-lasting, with friends, family and colleagues feeling the impact.

To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, the Council House will be lit up in purple. As we highlight this important day, we’re pleased to announce the city has been chosen to be part of next year’s Baton of Hope tour. The tour will see bereaved families and suicide survivors invited to carry a specially-designed symbol of hope across the UK.

Last year, the baton was carried through 12 cities in 12 days as part of the campaign to smash the stigma surrounding suicide and campaign for practical change. Next year the tour will be even bigger, with Derby named as one of 20 locations to host the event, which will take place in September and October 2025.

Councillor Alison Martin, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:

This World Suicide Prevention Day, the opportunity to raise awareness and offer support to people is more important than ever. One in five of us will struggle with suicidal thoughts in our lifetime, but the stigma attached to suicide can prevent people from getting the support they need.

By supporting the campaign, we hope to help break the stigma that often prevents people from opening up. If you’re struggling with your mental health or know someone who is, there’s a network of support services available across Derby and Derbyshire.

One initiative providing vital support is Let's Chat Derbyshire, a campaign which helps people start conversations with others about their wellbeing and mental health. You can access a wide range of information on this and other services on the Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing website. 

As in previous years, Derbyshire's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Team will be linking with a range of football clubs across the county, including Derby County FC, to encourage supporters to engage in conversations around mental health. Volunteers will attend matches to chat and signpost fans to mental health support services. New research commissioned by Three found that over two-thirds of football fans have struggled with their mental health, whilst one-in-three have never spoken to anyone about it.

It can be hard to find the right words to talk openly about how we’re feeling. But when someone is dealing with difficult thoughts or worries, having someone there to listen can make all the difference.

If you’re thinking about suicide or going through a personal crisis, help is available. You don't need to face these thoughts and feelings alone.

You can:

  • Reach out to a friend or loved one. They’ll be able to help you get the support you need
  • Call the Derbyshire Mental Health Support Helpline 24/7 on 0800 028 0077 or use the new NHS 111 service. Dial 111 and press option 2 for mental health support
  • Call the Samaritans 24-hour support service on 116 123 or contact Samaritans online
  • Contract PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, by calling 0800 068 41 41, text 88247 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org. British Sign Language users can visit HOPELINE247
  • Call CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) on 0800 58 58 58. The free, anonymous helpline is open every day from 5pm until midnight
  • Text Shout to 85258 to access a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service if you’re to cope. If you’re deaf, text DEAF to 85258
  • Contact your GP

If you need advice on how to encourage conversations with others in order to support them and yourself, you can find information via Let’s Chat Derbyshire.