World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual awareness day during which businesses, charities, and communities join forces to collectively raise awareness of how we can reduce the number of deaths by suicide. During 2020, 4,912 suicides were registered in the UK. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and more must be done to prevent further lives being lost.

The word suicide can cause strong emotions and potentially make conversations feel difficult and uncomfortable, often out of fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. However, we know that talking has the power to save lives. By opening up and having conversations around suicide and suicidal thoughts, we can make a difference and help ensure that anyone in need of support feels able to reach out.

Suicidal feelings are common and can affect anyone regardless of their age, background, or situation. Studies have found that as many as 1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts. As a local charity committed to leading the fight for better mental health, we believe our role is one of educating and sharing information about mental health to help spread awareness, and challenge barriers and stigmas within our community.

Sharing the guide below is one step we can take to expand our knowledge surrounding suicide awareness and better support those around us.

Suicide awareness and prevention is a cause close to our heart. We recently launched a campaign dedicated to supporting young men at risk of suicide with bespoke mental health information, advice, and services – the Tom Windsor Memorial Fund.

Suicide remains the leading cause of death in men under 50 in the UK. In England, men are over three times more likely than women to die by suicide – the suicide rate for males in 2020 was 15.3 per 100,000, compared with 4.9 per 100,000 for females. Additionally, the South West of England specifically has had the third-highest suicide rate for men for the past five reported years (2016 to 2020).

Through this campaign, we aim to reach more young men struggling with their mental health who may be at higher risk of suicide. All the money we raise in Tom's name will be dedicated to helping increase awareness and providing bespoke support to men in Devon. Donations will be used to reach as many men as possible who may need a helping hand to manage their mental health, and don’t know where to turn. Find out more below.

Donate to the Tom Windsor Memorial Fund

We are committed to fighting for mental health in Devon. For you. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out and talk to someone. The following organisations are available to listen and offer support whenever you need it — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Samaritans is open for support with any issues, including mental and emotional health problems.
Call 116 123 (free from any phone) or email jo@samaritans.org
Shout is a confidential text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (free on most major mobile networks)
The Plymouth First Response service is available 24/7 for anyone in crisis living in Plymouth
Call 0800 923 9323 (free from any phone)
The Devon Partnership NHS Trust First Response service is available 24/7 for the rest of Devon
Call 0808 196 8708 (free from any phone)