‘Interrupt their thoughts’ this World Suicide Prevention Day

Suicide can be hard to talk about, but a new survey from the Samaritans has shown that interrupting someone’s suicidal thoughts with a simple ‘hello’ can help.

In support of World Suicide Prevention Day on Wednesday 10 September, we’re raising awareness of the Samaritans’ findings, and sharing one important message: If you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care.

The Samaritans’ findings revealed that the majority of people with lived experience of suicide said their suicidal thoughts have been interrupted:

• 60% said their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by someone close to them, like a friend or family member.
• 14% said their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by a stranger or someone they didn’t know.

In Brighton & Hove, sadly over 40 people die by suicide every year. Every death by suicide is a tragedy and causes profound distress to families, friends and wider communities. It is estimated that for every death by suicide, up to 135 people can be significantly impacted.

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: "World Suicide Prevention Day is a powerful reminder that we all have an important role to play in supporting each other.

“By sharing the Samaritans’ message, we want our communities to know that small actions, like asking someone how they’re feeling or simply listening, can make an enormous difference. Together, we can create a city where no one feels they have to face their struggles alone."

Get involved

Join a free webinar on 10 September to explore how communities can come together to support suicide prevention.

This webinar, run by UOK Brighton & Hove, brings together expert speakers and lived experience voices to share practical tools and a vision for collective care.  

Start a conversation

The Samaritans have shared some ideas of how to start a conversation about suicide and help someone open up: 

• Choose a safe, quiet space and give the other person your full attention
• Ask how they’re doing, using open questions such as “How do you feel?” or “What’s that like for you?”
• Listen without judgement and let them know that there is always someone there to listen
• Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts. It gives them permission to tell you how they feel
• Let them know that there is always someone there to listen
• Remember to look after yourself, support is available for you too

Local support

Free mental health and wellbeing support is available for people of any age in Brighton & Hove.

• UOK Brighton & Hove  - local mental health support for adults
• E-wellbeing  - local mental health support for children and young people
• Grassroots Suicide Prevention - suicide prevention hubs with resources for children and young people, women, older people and all age groups
• Sussex Bereaved by Suicide Support Service - If you have been bereaved by suicide at any point in your life, you can call on 07376 616628 or email sussexbereavedbysuicide@cruse.org.uk 

For more information about support available in Brighton & Hove, visit Support with your mental health and wellbeing and Help in a mental health emergency