Highlighting World Suicide Prevention Day 2024
World Suicide Prevention Day will be held on 10 September 2024, and Ceredigion County Council is proud to support the campaign, again this year.
The triennial theme for 2024-2026 is ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’, with the call to action ‘Start the Conversation’ which aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.
The call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support.
Councillor Alun Williams, Cabinet Member for Through Age Wellbeing and Deputy Leader of the Council said: “Suicide is always preventable. Removing stigma around suicidal thoughts and having open conversations enables solutions to be found. World Suicide Prevention Day is an excellent way of spreading this message, to reflect and to look after those around us.”
“There are many organisations that can help - whether statutory services or voluntary groups like the Samaritans – but the biggest helpers are often friends, families or even acquaintances by giving people in distress or despair the opportunity to talk and be listened to.”
There are a number of local and national charities are available to offer support, including Tir Dewi, Mind, Huts, Hafal and DPJ Foundation.
If you need to talk to someone – or you're concerned about someone/family member – call 111 and select option 2 to speak to the NHS mental health team. The number is free to call from a landline or mobile, even if you have no credit left. You can also contact the Samaritans on 116123.
Dan 24/7 is a bilingual drug and alcohol helpline which you can call on 0808 808 2234 anytime day or night and will receive help and advice.