World Suicide Prevention Day, on Friday 10 September, aims to reduce stigma and raise awareness of the prevention of suicide across the globe.

It works to start the conversation about suicide and to show that recovery is possible.

The Rethink Mental Illness charity said the awareness day is observed

“to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003”.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) explains that

“each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them,” but “by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world”.

World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and “to promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally”.

This year, the international theme is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’.

The theme is intended to be a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that people’s actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.

The IASP website said: “Through action, you can make a difference to someone in their darkest moments – as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour.

“We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide.”

Find out further information here.