Every 90 minutes someone dies by suicide and 1 in 4 people will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives*.
This World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2026), Warwickshire County Council and partners are highlighting the importance of changing the narrative on suicide. Moving away from a culture of silence and stigma to one that is supportive and encourages empathy and open conversations about suicide.
Interrupting suicidal thoughts can save lives. Samaritans highlight the power of human connection, with 60% of people with lived experience saying their suicidal thoughts were interrupted by someone close to them, while 14% said a stranger made a difference*.
Warning signs that someone may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or with mental health difficulties can include:
- being withdrawn
- seeming anxious or irritable
- avoiding friends and family
- talking about death
- putting affairs in order
Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Social Care and Health said: “Having a conversation with someone who you think is struggling is so important and could interrupt their suicidal thoughts. We know these conversations aren’t easy but letting the person know you’re there for them and offering a non-judgmental and compassionate ear could make all the difference."
"Asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide will not increase the risk and instead may help them feel heard, understood and supported."
"World Suicide Prevention Day can be difficult for people with lived experience of suicide so it should also be about hope and understanding. I would like to encourage anyone struggling to reach out to the variety of services available in Warwickshire for support.”
Anyone who is thinking about suicide, feels unsafe, or is need of urgent mental health support, should call 111 and select the ‘mental health’ option. Anyone who has harmed themselves or is in immediate danger should call 999. If someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and requires urgent support, you can also call 111 and select the ‘mental health’ option.
For anyone who is struggling to cope and needs to talk to someone about how they are feeling, there is always someone there to listen:
- Call Samaritans for free 24/7 on 116 123
- Text CWHOPE for free on 85258
- Dear life Coventry and Warwickshire’s Suicide prevention website has a range of information, please visit https://www.dearlife.org.uk/
- Amparo - if you have been bereaved by suicide, or know someone who has, support is available through Amparo and referrals can be made at https://amparo.org.uk/refer.Local support can be found at https://amparo.org.uk/our-locations/coventry-warwickshire/.
In addition to the above, Amparo is a free suicide bereavement support service, offering practical and emotional support to anyone affected by suicide. On Saturday 12 September, from 7pm at the Hod Carrier Pub in Whitnash, Leamington Spa there is aa live music and suicide awareness event. Also, Amparo offers national briefing sessions every Monday at 10am and Wednesday at 2pm https://amparo.org.uk/free-briefing-session/
As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, Hope Remains is a free reflective service for people across Warwickshire and Coventry, hosted by Violet Project CIO and Coventry Cathedral (Thursday 10 September from 6:30pm to 7:30pm). The event offers a safe and supportive space to come together, remember loved ones, hear personal stories of hope, and reinforce the message that no one has to face mental health challenges alone. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with local organisations providing mental health, bereavement, and wellbeing support.
Book your free place by clicking here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coventry-hope-remains-world-suicide-prevention-day-reflective-service-tickets-1981415831089
There are a range of other mental health and wellbeing services available across Warwickshire that can help residents to improve their mental health and support them during difficult times. To access information about the range of different services, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth
Also, the Zero Suicide Alliance offer free awareness training which can help people build the confidence and skills to recognise warning signs, understand risk factors and support someone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. There are a range of short courses, which include real-life scenarios, practical guidance and information on where to access further support. Training can be completed online, anytime. For more information, please visit https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/suicide-awareness-training
*Source: Statistics for the UK & Ireland https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/world-suicide-prevention-day/