Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day to highlight the impact of suicide, reduce stigma and start important conversations. Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide, that is over 5,000 people a year. Male suicides continue to be three times higher than females and self harming is increasing in young people, 1 in 4 of us have had suicidal thoughts.
Suicide is a profound and tragic outcome that affects families, friends, and entire communities, every life lost is one too many. As a mental health and community trust, we have a responsibility to lead with compassion, clinical excellence, and unwavering commitment to prevention.
Today we are launching our 2025 – 2028 suicide prevention strategy, this strategy represents not only our duty but our determination to make meaningful change.
This is a strategy for action, one that recognises the complexity of suicide, but also the opportunity we have to make a difference. It reflects our commitment as a system leader and a community partner, and our belief that through collaboration, compassion, and a relentless focus on safety and quality, we can save lives.
The strategy is split into five key areas, leadership and governance, prevention, intervention, postvention and data, intelligence, evidence and research.
Oliver Soriano, Chief Nurse Officer explains:
"Suicide prevention is central to our ambition to improve population health, one of the four pillars of our Quadruple Aim, alongside delivering the best possible care, enabling joy and pride in work, and achieving value for money.
This strategy reflects how we will embed suicide prevention across all areas of the Trust. We have actively engaged with people with lived experience, including those affected by suicide, as well as many other patients, carers, families, and colleagues."
Dr Gareth Thomas, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer adds:
"Suicide is preventable, and by working as one system, with shared purpose and compassion, we can save lives. We owe it to those at risk, to those who have been bereaved, and to everyone in our care and our communities, to continue this work with purpose and urgency."
Our suicide prevention strategy is available to read now.
Samaritans are sharing one important message this Suicide Prevention Day - If you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care.
Lancashire Mind also offer a variety of suicide prevention and mental health training including the Orange Button scheme.
