Publish date: 9 September 2024
West London NHS Trust is observing World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), and encouraging its staff, service users and partners to do their part by completing the free Zero Suicide Alliance suicide awareness training.
Interim Chief Nurse
The theme for WSPD this year is ‘changing the narrative on suicide’ with the associated action call to #StartTheConversation.
Suicides are preventable. Yet every year 703, 000 people around the world die by suicide. In London, every week 10 people take their own lives.
The training only takes 20 minutes and provides guidance on how to have a direct and honest conversation about suicide and mental health with family and friends.
Gillian Kelly, Interim Chief Nurse at the Trust said: “We all have a part to play in preventing suicides, whether it’s by sharing our stories, looking after one another and making sure we have those open conversations. We can make sure we’re equipped to do this by completing this important training. Every conversation can make a difference.”
The Trust will host an internal event to raise awareness for its staff this Friday 13 September, from 9am, online. Staff can sign up on the Trust intranet.
London-wide events and activities to mark the day
Be their one campaign
The Trust is also supporting the London Borough of Hounslow’s Be Their One campaign. You can find out more about it on their website.
Join the Zero Suicide Alliance for our ‘Let’s talk about suicide’ webinar
Join the ZSA for an online session discussing how we talk about suicide, why it matters, why we need to talk more and we'll share tips to encourage open and honest conversations.
Monday, 9 September, 1.30 to 2.30pm. Online. Register
James’ Place World Suicide Prevention Day open event
A perfect opportunity to find out more about James' Place lifesaving work which helps men out of suicidal crisis, offering a quick and free in-person talking therapy intervention using our specialised model. Pre-registration required.
Tuesday, 10 September, 10am to 1pm. St Luke's Community Centre, 90 Central Street, Islington, London EC1V 8AJ. Register
World Suicide Prevention Day Conference and Service of Remembrance
Join the 6th annual event by all South East London Suicide Bereavement partners: South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, South East London Mind and Mind in Bexley to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
Speakers will include the National Data Guardian, Thrive LDN, Andy’s Man Club, SEL and SWL Integrated Care Boards amongst others. The event's final speaker will share their personal experience of losing a loved one to suicide. South London and Maudsley NHS Trust chaplains will then lead a non-denominational service of remembrance for those lost through suicide, either personally or professionally.
Tuesday, 10 September, 10am to 11.30am. Online. Register
Start the Conversation with Dr Pamela Nkyi
Join Psychologist and Public Health Specialist, Dr Pamela Nkyi, supported by Thrive LDN and Barking Methodist Church, in an online session that will encourage open conversations to create a supportive culture and break down barriers to seeking mental health support.
Tuesday, 10 September, 11.30am to 12.15pm. Online. Register.
Shout: How to help someone who is suicidal
By the end of this webinar, you’ll understand that anyone can support someone who is having suicidal thoughts, and you’ll know how to have this conversation with someone if you needed to. You’ll be hearing from the experts - Shout’s Clinical Director Sarah and two of our Shout Volunteers.
Tuesday, 10 September, 12noon to 1pm. Online. Register
Working Together to Change the Narrative on Suicide webinar
Organised by Grassroots Suicide Prevention, Rethink Mental Illness and UOK, Brighton & Hove (a partnership of community services working for good mental health and wellbeing with Southdown as the lead provider), this webinar is aimed at starting the conversation around suicidal ideation with groups who often fall through the net of care, focussing on the at-risk communities of ex-offenders, women and people with autism.
Tuesday, 10 September, 12noon to1pm. Online. Register
Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide - Change the Narrative
This in-person event will feature inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, and community resources to help raise awareness and support those in need. Pre-registration is required.
Tuesday, 10 September, 12.30pm to 5pm. 125 Old Broad Street London EC2N 1AR. Register
Coping After Suicide - a guide for organisations
Barnet Council, Jami and partners are launching a co-produced and peer-reviewed guide to support settings in case of suicide. Join a webinar designed for community leaders, faith leaders, businesses in Barnet and any other professionals who may sadly encounter suicide in their work place.
The session will provide a step-by-step guide on how to respond effectively and compassionately, ensuring support for everyone involved, including business partners, families, and communities.
Tuesday, 10 September, 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Online. Register
Kooth Talks - London: An exploration of accessible support options for Suicide Prevention and Awareness
The webinar will cover an overview of how Kooth.com works, other support services, what suicidal feelings are and why anyone might experience them, and steps you can take if you, or someone you are supporting, is feeling suicidal.
Tuesday, 10 September, 4pm to 5pm and Thursday, 12 September, 10 to 11am. Online. Register
Black Minds Matter UK: Suicide Prevention and Awareness in Black communities
Join for a powerful conversation led by Black Minds Matter UK’s Tope Chiedozie, featuring integrative therapist Eve Banahene and mental health advocate Christopher Frederick to explore the impact of suicide within the Black community and discuss ways to foster hope and prevention.
Thursday, 12 September, 1pm to 1.45pm. Online. Register
Borough by Borough: Using The Listening Place to reduce suicide
The Listening Place has grown to support more than 5,000 people per annum struggling with suicidal feelings. We take a closer look at how close collaboration between public health, the NHS and The Listening Place can transform support for people struggling with suicidal feelings.
Wednesday, 2 October, 10am to 12pm. Havas UK, 3 Pancras Square London N1C 4AG. Register