World Suicide Prevention Day: Remembering those lost and supporting those struggling
*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 SLaM held its 7th annual Conference and Service of Remembrance with moving words from several speakers.
The annual event is set out to not only support the destigmatisation of talking about suicide but to remember those we have lost and offer 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 and host of the conference said: “This event is important to me for personal and professional reasons. This is our 7th annual event and each year, it stands as a reminder of the important work we are doing and a reminder that we still have more to do."
The first section of the conference focused on the work organisations are doing to help prevent suicide and support those struggling. Kim Hunt from Thrive LDN spoke about how their organisation is working toward making London a zero suicide city by ensuring all Londoners have equal opportunity for good mental health and wellbeing.
We also heard from Lisa Parker, Superintendent at the Metropolitan Police who shared how they are working toward suicide prevention within their practices. Lisa noted that suicide prevention training is being embedded across the organisation, dedicated strategies are being created for working with young and vulnerable people and joint responses between the police and health colleagues have been created to ensure safety, compassion and respect.
Lisa said: “Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide in the statistics. It's really sobering. Behind every number is a person, a son, a daughter, a partner, a colleague, a friend. Suicide is preventable and together we can and must prevent it.”
We went on to hear from Rupinder Dev from the South East London ICB on their pilot for supporting young people in crisis. From SLaM, we heard from Nicola Bryne (speaking from her role as National Data Guardian) and Robert Harland from on balancing confidentiality and information sharing when it comes to someone disclosing risk as well as Nicola Funnell and Clair Pollard on our new approach to risk assessment.
Chris Frederick shared the simple but powerful mental health support for communities – the Friendship Bench. The concept which started in Zimbabwe is now being adopted worldwide with benches in London to support mental wellbeing in the community encouraging connection, compassion and reminding people they aren’t alone. He said: “The friendship bench isn’t about furniture, it’s about safe spaces, connection and belonging.”
Amy Kirk-Smith spoke about the incredible work of the South East London Suicide Bereavement Service (SBS) which is open to anyone who has lost someone to suicide. The service offers non-judgemental, personalised and compassionate support for anyone affected. You can see what service users think of the service in this video: How grieving someone lost to suicide is different
The second part of the event was dedicated to reflection. Sarah Kensington bravely shared her experience of losing her dad, Stan, to suicide. In a moving and emotional discussion, she shared how following her dad’s passing “the days and weeks that followed were a whirlwind of emotions and questions.” She shared how helpful SBS was as it created a “crucial space” she could sit with her grief and heal.
Sarah said: “I’ve been finding hope and rebuilding. Time travels so fast – how has it been three years but it feels like yesterday? My hope has come from a deep commitment to healing inside and out.”
Our chaplaincy team then led a non-denominational service of remembrance with a powerful moment where attendees shared the first names of those they lost in the chat. As the chat flooded with memories and emotions, the online space began to feel even more personal to those watching.
You can watch the conference back here: World Suicide Prevention Day Conference and Service of Remembrance 2025
Please join us in lighting a candle to remember those lost to suicide this World Suicide Prevention Day!
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
Read our Letter of Hope, a reminder to anyone who may be feeling suicidal that they are not alone: Letter of Hope - South London and Maudsley
Access free suicide awareness training online: ZSA suicide awareness training courses
