World Suicide Prevention Day 2025

Wednesday 10 September 2025 is World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).

WSPD was first set up in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, working in partnership with the World Health Organisation. The theme this year is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. The theme seeks to challenge stigma and end silence, and calls for empathy and support. It is about creating space to empower all who are suffering to seek the help that they need.

According to ONS data (2024), someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide every 90 minutes. It is thought that there are more than 720,000 suicides per year worldwide. Men’s Minds Matter report that suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50, and 42% of UK men have considered suicide.

The Samaritans’ message today is that suicidal thoughts can be interrupted. They call on all of us to take action to interrupt the thoughts of anyone who might be suicidal, to initiate open conversations and not to underestimate the power of small acts of care.

The following free, anonymous and non-judgemental services offer immediate support for anyone who needs to talk, UK-wide:

• call Samaritans on 116 123
• text SHOUT to 85258.

Mind offers a further list of mental health helplines and provides free crisis coping tools.

Ashtons’ Medical Negligence team are experienced in supporting families who have lost loved ones to preventable suicide. We stand in solidarity with bereaved families nationwide today.