Taking place on 10th September every year, World Suicide Prevention Day raises awareness worldwide of the importance of suicide prevention, campaigning to make the prevention of suicide a priority.
Those bereaved by suicide are almost twice as likely to attempt suicide themselves, so good support after a friend, relative or someone close has died is essential in preventing future deaths by suicide.
This year, we’re focusing particularly on the issue of suicide by young people, where to find help and how organisations are working to ‘stop the ripples’ of suicide.
Young people & suicide
Charity YoungMinds reports that suicide was the leading cause of death for young people aged between 5-34 in 2019, with 1 in 6 children aged 5-16 identified as having a probable mental health problem.
The suicide and self-harm statistics are similarly profound, finding that almost half of 17-19 year olds with identified mental health disorders had self-harmed or attempted suicide.
The Samaritans’ own reports find that loneliness is a major contributor to suicide in young people, and campaigns for the government to improve wellbeing in young people, to tackle loneliness and the stigma around it, and to increase public health funding to help address loneliness in young people.
Harmless delivers specialist services relating to self-harm and suicide amongst both young and older people, saving lives as well as contributing to national policy change that helps to shape a safer future for those affected by these issues.
Need some help? Whether you need support yourself or for someone you know, or if you’re a professional seeking a referral, find useful resources quickly through Harmless.
—
Help Is At Hand
Need support and guidance following a suicide? We really recommend the Help Is At Hand booklet, created by Public Health England and available from the Support After Suicide Partnership.
This easy-to-read guide talks you through how you may be feeling, what may happen next, and contains specific advice for those with different connections to the deceased person, as well as how you may be able to help someone else who has been bereaved by suicide.
Practical help
The National Bereavement Service is a free-to-access, not-for-profit organisation providing practical and emotional support after a death, with a lot of experience in supporting people bereaved by suicide and sudden death.
Specialist advisers guide you through what happens next, what to expect and the practical steps to take after someone has died, as well as signposting you to other organisations for more specific help if needed.
Whether you need help in paying for a funeral, want to understand the coroner’s and probate processes, or you don’t know what will happen to the estate of the person who died, the NBS delivers fast and professional support when you need it.
Contact the National Bereavement Service
Download the NBS’ “What to do after a sudden bereavement” guide
—
Stopping the ripples: Online suicide bereavement conferences for professionals
Harmless is running a series of online conferences during September, discussing the practical applications for working in suicide bereavement.
Helping people who work with anyone impacted by suicide, these online sessions will deliver knowledge, inspiration and skills from sector leaders that can be applied in real-life situations.
Sound relevant to your organisation? Find out more & book.
—
This article has been prepared by Adroit Legal Services and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
—
Need more help in knowing what to say? Access practical bereavement support from the National Bereavement Service
The National Bereavement Service supports anyone who has experienced a bereavement, including sudden or traumatic bereavement, with practical and emotional information and advice from professional bereavement advisors with lived experience.
We help you to comply with legal requirements, signpost you to providers such as funeral directors and solicitors, and provide a listening ear that helps you through a very difficult time.
Our expert advisers also help anyone to plan ahead for their own death, from Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney to considering funeral costs.
For personal, confidential, and practical help following a bereavement, or for advice when planning your future, call the NBS on 0800 0246 121 or visit www.thenbs.org
—
Trusted legal support for your people by Adroit Legal Services
Established in 2015, Adroit connects your people and your customer base to quality-assured, affordable and accessible legal services from trusted and experienced experts.
Legal specialists throughout the UK are tried and tested, delivering honest advice whatever stage of life you’re at to protect your interests, family and wellbeing.
Adroit’s panel of advisors, including estate planning and LPA specialists, offers a free initial consultation and discounted rates to make legal services accessible to everyone that’s important to your organisation.
Contact Adroit Legal Services to find out how we help our clients to protect their peoples’ wellbeing with access to quality-assured, great value legal services.
