Making space to remember those we have lost: World Suicide Prevention Day 2026
*Sensitive content warning: This piece mentions suicide, grief and loss which may be distressing to some readers
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, the South East London Bereavement Service in partnership with South East London Mind, Mind in Bexley and South London and Maudsley held its 8th annual Conference and Service of Remembrance with emotional talks from several speakers.
The annual event offers a space to talk openly about suicide, without judgement while also remembering those we have lost. It offers a space to reflect on our loss, grief and the complex emotions around losing a loved one to suicide, witnessing a suicide or losing a patient in a professional capacity.
Simon Sherring, Deputy Chief Nurse said: “This conference is one that I feel passionately about year on year, from both a professional and personal point of view. This day can be difficult, especially for those bereaved by suicide, and can evoke strong emotions and thoughts. Creating spaces like this to remember those who we’ve lost reminds us that we’re not alone in this feeling and hope continues to exist. Thank you to everyone who joined us.”
The first half of the conference focused on the work organisations are involved in to help prevent suicide and support those who may be struggling with difficult thoughts.
Building confidence around London to discuss suicide and suicidal ideation
James Ludley from Thrive LDN spoke about the incredible training provided by Zero Suicide Alliance. This training helps people to feel confident when talking to people about suicide and suicidal ideation. James shared valuable insights about the 30 minute training package, noting that almost half a million people who live and work in London have now completed the training.
Providing spaces and care in a timely manner
We also heard from Michaela Andreou from The Listening Place who highlighted the support people need in this area. The Listening Place provides face-to-face support for people that feel like life is no longer worth living. They receive around 900 referrals a month and the work they do is crucial to supporting the community and reaching people in need. A service user said “coming here saved my life.”
Changes to practice to support those in crisis
From South London and Maudsley, we heard from Philippa Galligan and Nicky Funnel about the reality of suicide. Over 700,000 deaths across the world are linked to suicide and around 19 people die a day in the UK alone.
Philippa said: “It's not always about offering them solutions. It is often just about holding the space and helping them connect to another individual, which gives them hope and helps them choose life for another day or perhaps forever.”
Both shared updates coming to the Trust including Staying Safe from Suicide training which will be available to all staff at South London and Maudsley and new ways of analysing risk. The new personalised approach to risk involves a deeper dive into the individuals, their stories and the context around their illness.
Fiona’s story: Losing her sister, finding hope and helping others
We also heard from Fiona, a service user of the Suicide Bereavement Service who shared her experience of losing her sister and the impact it has had on her since.
Fiona said: “My family and I are proof of the devastation that suicide brings to those who are left behind. It is hard to know what, if anything, we could have or would have done differently. My hope is future generations will be equipped with a wealth of useful information for when a challenge does occur.”
Remembering those we’ve lost
The conference concluded with a non-denominational service led by South London and Maudsley’s Chaplaincy team. The team lit candles to remind people they aren’t alone in their grief and that while it may feel overwhelming, grief does change, hope reappears and change will come.
The team encouraged people to either type or say the first names of those they lost in the chat, creating a space flooded with memories, emotions and personal connection.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this conference happen. Please join us in lighting a candle to remember those lost to suicide this World Suicide Prevention Day.
You can rewatch the conference below:
Our letter of hope
To mark the date, we have also shared an audio version of the Letter of Hope, developed with the Lived Experience Network which you can watch on YouTube or below.
Help in a crisis
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please remember you are not alone and help is available. Please see our support on getting help in a crisis: How to get help in a mental health crisis