Thursday 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, we remember everyone affected by suicide and recommit to preventing future deaths. Suicide is not inevitable — with the right support, connection and action, lives can be saved.
Suicide remains one of the most pressing health challenges in the UK. Every 90 minutes someone in the UK takes their own life. Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 50 and all people under 35. One in four of us will have a suicidal thought in our lifetime.
Last year the Premier League, alongside Samaritans, launched the “Together Against Suicide” initiative to support football fans affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts, while raising awareness of the information and expertise available to those who need it most. The initiative has received support from all 20 Premier League Clubs and in its first year helped facilitate 28,000 conversations, including 14 crisis interventions.
Suicide prevention starts with human connection. Through the Together Against Suicide Partnership, Samaritans and the Premier League are showing how trusted community spaces, including football clubs, can help start conversations, reduce stigma and connect people with support.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, Margaret is “proud support Samaritans’ and the Premier League’s work to make suicide prevention everyone’s business — helping more people find support before they reach crisis point”.
If you or someone you know is struggling to cope, Samaritans are there day or night, free, on 116 123. This World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s keep working together to prevent suicide and save lives.