World Suicide Prevention Day 2026

September 10^th marks World Suicide Prevention Day, and is a chance for organisations and communities around the world to come together to raise awareness and campaign for better suicide prevention.

This World Suicide Prevention Day, Samaritans is sharing one important message:

If you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts, and show them you care.

Small interruptions you make and actions you take could help someone who is suicidal. You don’t have to be an expert to save someone’s life.

This World Suicide Prevention Day, Samaritans has co-created a campaign with people who have experienced suicidal thoughts. They've shared real, practical ways you can help someone you might be worried about.

To learn more about how to interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts visit www.samaritans.org/WSPD

Suicidal thoughts can be interrupted.

Samaritans surveyed people with lived experience of suicide with the majority highlighting that their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted

• 60% said their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by someone close to them, like a friend or family member.

• 14% said their suicidal thoughts had been interrupted by a stranger or someone they didn’t know.

Visit the following webpages below put together by the Samaritans :

• How to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts, including real-life examples of how people’s suicidal thoughts were interrupted by strangers or someone they know.

• Ideas for how to support yourself if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts

Remember Samaritans are there to listen 

Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Call: 116 123 

Support is always available:

• The Healthy Minds Team - South Tyneside's Mental Health Support Team (MHST) - Working with schools to support children and young people. Speak to your school to access support. 
• Lifecycle - Provides mental health support. Referrals can be made via self-referrals or through professionals such as GPs or schools. 
• Kooth (www.kooth.com) Free, safe, and anonymous online support for young people aged 11+.  
• Young Minds (www.youngminds.org.uk) Offers advice and resources for young people and parents. 
• Shout (Text “SHOUT” to 85258) A free, confidential 24/7 text support service for anyone struggling to cope.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can now call NHS 111 for urgent mental health support.