You just have to take a stroll down Bedford’s River Great Ouse. The Embankment is charming, elegant and full of features to explore and enjoy. From wildlife, to plants and tree’s to cute cafes and play parks. A very Victorian way to de-stress and reconnect.Every year on September 10th, organisations around the world get together to raise awareness about suicide prevention and talk about how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide. Each year has a different theme and focus, to bring to light a specific aspect of suicide prevention.The latest suicides statistics showed that in 2020, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, 4902 suicides were registered. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. We know that suicide is preventable, it’s not inevitable.
Samaritans are a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide.
What do the Samaritans do?
Every year the Samaritans campaign with over 70 other suicide prevention and mental health groups under the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA). The Samaritans ask the UK and Ireland governments to make suicide prevention a priority, and help raise awareness about how we can each support each other better.
This year’s theme, which will be the theme until 2023, is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’, which aims to empower people with the confidence to engage with the complexity of ‘hope’. On September 10th, they will be asking people to share the things they do which makes them feel hopeful when they're going through a difficult time. Some examples are; reaching out for a coffee with a best mate, Going for walks in a peaceful environment, or going for a run along the seafront.
In the UK, men are three times as likely to die by suicide than women. In the Republic of Ireland, the rate is four times higher among men than women. While there has been a reduction in the number of people completing suicide over the last ten years, the numbers are still worryingly high. World Suicide Prevention Day aims to start the conversation about suicide and to show that recovery is possible.
There is always somebody to talk to, even when you feel at your loneliest. You are not alone.
Suicide helplines:
Samaritans: 116 123
Calm: 0800 585858 (Campaign Against Living Miserably Help and support for young men aged 15-35 on issues which include depression and suicide.)
Hopeline UK: 0800 068 4141 (For practical advice on suicide prevention)
Lifeline (N.Ireland): 0808 808 8000
(For anyone in N.Ireland who is in distress or despair. Immediate help on phone 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Face to face counselling can be arranged, also befriending, mentoring. Issues dealt with include suicide prevention, self harm, abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety.)
Remember you are not alone.
