What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day is about starting honest conversations around suicide, showing that support and hope are always within reach.
It’s a chance to break the stigma, encourage people to speak up, and remind everyone that listening and respect can make a real difference.
Why does World Suicide Prevention Day matter?
- Men make up around 75% of suicide deaths in the UK. In 2024, the male suicide rate in England and Wales was 17.6 per 100,000, compared to 5.7 per 100,000 for women.
- Suicide is a leading cause of death for people under 35 in the UJ, but rates are highest among middle-aged adults, especially men aged 50–54 (27.5 per 100,000) and women aged 45–49 (7.9 per 100,000).
- The North East of England had the highest suicide rate in England in 2024 (15.1 per 100,000), while London had the lowest (8.3 per 100,000). Wales recorded 15.7 per 100,000.
Get involved
If you’ve been affected by suicide, or want to support World Suicide Prevention Day, there are plenty of ways to take part.
Share your story, spread the world on social media, and help us build a future where everyone feels heard and supported.
Commonly asked questions about suicide
How to talk someone out of suicide over text?
Talking to someone who is feeling suicidal over text message can be delicate and urgent. This guide offers compassionate, practical steps to listen, respond safely, and guide them toward immediate help and professional support.
Read the answer
How to stop thinking about suicide?
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, you can take practical steps right now to help manage these feelings and keep yourself safe. Learn more about the immediate steps you can take.
Read our guide
Is suicide a crime?
Suicide is not a crime in England. The law changed in 1961, so if you have thoughts about taking your own life, you are not breaking the law. But it is illegal to encourage or help someone else to die by suicide.
Read the full answer
What is suicide ideation?
Suicide ideation means having thoughts about ending your own life. These thoughts can be brief or more detailed, but support is available and things can get better.
Read the answerOur suicide prevention and bereavement work
Real people, real stories
“I lost both my parents to suicide”
Deborah explores her complicated journey navigating suicide bereavement. With help from our Gloucestershire Support After Suicide Service, she is in a much calmer place.
Read Deborah's story
"The pain of sudden loss is visceral and overwhelming"
Peter and Janine reflect on the death of their daughter, Becky, who very sadly took her life and they support the received from Rethink Mental Illness’ Support After Suicide service in Surrey.
Listen to their story
"It’s funny what you remember about a phone call that changes your life forever"
Handmade cutlery and a fluorescent running coat: Carl shares the thoughts, feelings, and things he was left with after his uncle took his own life.
Read Carl's story