World Suicide Prevention Day 2024
On September 10th, over 120 people joined the online World Suicide Prevention Day Conference 2024 with many attendees sharing their gratitude at the end of the event.
The was our 6th annual event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, an awareness day aiming to focus attention of the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness across organisations, government and the public. This year’s theme was on changing the narrative on suicide and is around transforming how we perceive this complex issue, shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support.
The speakers included SEL Mind, Thrive London, Andy’s Man Club, the Trust’s Caldicott Guardian and the National Data Guardian. The event also included a non-denominational service of remembrance and a first-person testimony from Gurjit Shokar about losing a loved one to suicide.
Amy Kirk-Smith, Suicide Bereavement Service Manager said: "This is always a poignant event. It was inspiring to hear from our diverse range of speakers about the vital work they are doing to prevent suicide, and we were particularly grateful to Gurjit Shokar for his moving personal testimony of loss. The service of remembrance gave us time and space to reflect, in a way we don't often do during our busy working days. We remembered people who are no longer with us and held in our thoughts those who are currently struggling with suicidality. We want to use this day to send a message to people that there is help available and they do not need to suffer alone".
Recently, staff from the Lived Experience Network and service users worked together to write a Letter of Hope. The Letter of Hope is to remind anyone who may be feeling suicidal that they are not alone. Things will change and there are people who will listen and help you through this time. You can read it here: Letter of Hope
The South East London Suicide Bereavement Service provides support in the aftermath of suicide. They work across the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark. Our team specialise in suicide loss and provide a free, flexible and confidential service. The service offers non-judgemental emotional and practical support tailored to your individual needs. They are commissioned by SEL ICB and delivered in partnership by South East London Mind, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Mind in Bexley.
- For those who have lost a loved one, we offer support both 1-1 and in groups. 1-1 support can be accessed straight away if you have been recently bereaved.
- If you have lost a patient or client to suicide, we offer 1-1 support to help you process and manage the impact this may have had.
Please get in touch to have a chat and find out more about the service. You don’t need a professional to refer you. The service is usually open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and can offer evening appointments if needed.
- Phone: 07933 393397
- Email: suicidebereavement@selmind.org.uk
- Make a referral for yourself or someone else
The main message of the awareness day is that suicides are preventable. If you are struggling or need support, please reach out to our internal Staff Support team for a range of help or Samaritans for 24/7 support.
