World Suicide Prevention Day

Tuesday 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day when organisations campaign to raise awareness of suicide prevention.

As part of the University's Suicide Prevention and Response Plan, we want staff and students to feel empowered to tackle the stigma and myths surrounding suicide, and to become suicide prevention advocates, so that everyone can be supported and create a suicide-safer community.

Mental Health UK have resources that staff may find helpful for learning more about suicide and its impact, as well a webinar on how you can support colleagues in your workplace and raise awareness of suicide prevention.

The Shining a Light on Suicide organisation offers fantastic resources on how you can support someone who may be feeling suicidal and also seek support for your own wellbeing.

The Samaritans campaign for World Suicide Prevention Day provides guidance for starting a conversation with someone that you might be worried about, and highlights the importance of language and becoming a better listener.

There is also lots of information on the staff webpages on how you can support students who are experiencing or are at risk of a mental health crisis, including Helping Distressed Students – A Guide for Staff.

If you or another staff member need support at any time, contact the Occupational Health team at ohquery@essex.ac.uk.