According to the latest suicide statistics, more than 6,800 people died by suicide in the UK and Republic of Ireland in 2018. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy.
We know that suicide is preventable, it’s not inevitable, but not being okay is still widely stigmatised.
Suicide Prevention Day, to be held on 10 September, is about organisations and communities coming together to raise awareness and try to create a world where fewer people die by suicide.
This year’s theme is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ and at UoS the Wellbeing Champions Network is raising awareness through activities across the university such as ‘Tea and talk’ and ‘How are you’ group sessions. We are also using a virtual notice board so that staff can support others by saying what gives them hope.
Hope can mean something different to everyone. Feeling hopeful can be anything from lifting your mood, to giving you something to focus on, or something to look forward to in the future. It doesn’t have to mean that you feel like everything is going to be amazing right away, but it’s about building belief in yourself that things can get better.
You can find the university’s ‘Hope board’ here from the 5 -10 September.
Support and resources
Samaritans’ helpline contacts: Whatever you’re going through, you can call Samaritans free of charge any time from any phone on 116 123 (this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill), email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) are a great source of support for people who have been bereaved by suicide. See the SOBS website for details of their helpline, local support groups and many more practical resources.
First Aiders for Mental Health: details of local First Aiders for Mental Health at the University.
Additional support is available from our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with trained counsellors available to provide ‘in the moment’ support.
Student support: If you have concerns about the wellbeing of a student, please contact the Student Hub via email: [email protected] with the subject ‘Concern for wellbeing’, or call 02380 599 599.
