An international mark across the globe, the day is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting prevention.
Every year, the campaign is held on 10 September to raise awareness of suicide prevention and break down stigma.
The triennial theme for 2021to 2023, organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, is ‘Creating Hope through Action’.
The key message of this theme tells us that suicide is preventable, helps us to realise that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention.
Statistics from Mental Health UK show that in the UK, suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45, but in recent years, suicides among teenage girls and young women have almost doubled.
To support the initiative this year, the iconic Blackpool Tower will shine in purple on Sunday 10 September to honour and remember the lives that have been lost through suicide, as well as those who have been affected.
Empowerment Charity’s Solace project, in collaboration with Blackpool Council and partners NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria, AMPARO and Doherty’s Destiny, will be holding a free for all to attend family event on Saturday 9 September at Stanley Park bandstand.
The day will highlight the importance of suicide awareness through live music and spoken words from local artists and musicians, plus information stalls.
Coastal Radio hosts, Liam Halewood and Victoria Roberts will be hosting and performing alongside Daniel Sings, Neil Harrison-Scott and Emma Jackson with Local Choir Revoelution. Spoken words artists Rob Mason and James Lee will bring stories of hope through ‘The Warrior Tales’.
The event will take place from 11.00am to 3.00pm and is an opportunity to start open conversations with peers, get tips and advice on how suicide can be prevented and think of those who are no longer with us or who may be struggling with their mental health.
Dr Arif Rajpura, Director of Public Health at Blackpool Council said:
If you, or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of despair, there is lots of local help and support available, or call the crisis line on 0800 953 0110.
Support is also available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the Samaritans 116 123
The Orange Button scheme is a way of identifying people in the community who have had suicide awareness training and may be able to support, provide information or signpost people that may need this.
Anybody who lives and works in Lancashire or South Cumbria can access fully funded suicide awareness training and could become an Orange Button badge holder. See what courses are available or to book training.
Wondering how you can get involved with World Suicide Prevention Day this year?