Date published: 9 September 2025
Mersey Care is reinforcing its commitment to suicide prevention by providing resources and advice to help mark World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2025).
Over 700,000 lives are lost each year to suicide and the theme this year ‘Changing the Narrative’ calls for more open, honest conversations about mental health. Talking about suicide supports awareness and understanding, helping people to recognise what they can do to support suicide prevention.
This year, you’re encouraged to reach out and check in:
- A simple ‘How are you?’ can make a big difference and help someone feel safe to share how they are feeling and ask for support
- Don’t be afraid to ask a direct question if you are concerned about someone. Asking a question such as ‘You seem very low. Are you feeling suicidal?’ will not give somebody the idea to take their own life. By asking this, you will give the person the chance to open up and talk
- Actively listen. Helping a person to feel heard may validate their feelings, and allow them to release emotions they have been holding in.
To mark the day, Mersey Care is proud to support and participate in the Zero Suicide Alliance’s (ZSA) free 'train-a-thon' - virtual suicide awareness training available to everyone throughout the day.
There are three sessions available – morning, afternoon and evening – and each session aims to share insights around suicide and tips for how to spot suicide warning signs and offer support, as well as a live Q&A with panel members, links to further resources and a certificate of attendance. You can register for each session online.
Suicide is preventable, and we all have a part to play. For anyone who wants to learn how to recognise the warning signs and offer support, the Zero Suicide Alliance’s (ZSA) provides free online suicide awareness training open to anyone, at any time.
Hosted by Mersey Care, and funded by Mersey Cares and NHS Charities Together, ZSA’s resources are an important way for families, friends, colleagues, and communities to come together in preventing suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
- Samaritans – Call 116 123 (24/7, free)
- NHS 111 – Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option
- Shout – Text 85258 (24/7, free)
- PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 – Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967 (for children and young people under 35)
- Call 999 if someone’s life is at risk.
