South Tyneside's role on World Suicide Prevention Day
South Tyneside recorded 150 suicides between 2011 and 2023.
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD). It is held on September 10 every year.
An estimated 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year. In the UK there were 6,190 suicides in England and Wales in 2024, 11.4 suicide deaths per 100,000 people.
South Tyneside’s population is around 150,000 and 150 suicides were recorded for the borough between 2011 and 2023.
World Suicide Prevention Day raises awareness of suicide and promotes action to reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally. It encourages people to:
Check in with loved ones. Taking time with someone in your community, a family member, friend, colleague or even a stranger. It could change the course of another’s life. Look out for those who you think might be struggling.
Keep informed. Consider accessing training opportunities in suicide prevention and awareness to identify and support those with suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Opportunities maybe available locally through workshops, online or in your workplace.
Share your story. Individuals who have survived a suicide attempt or experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide often have valuable insights and can help us understand how the words and actions of others can be important.
Advocate for mental health awareness. Promote mental health awareness within your community, use social media, local events or even casual conversations to help spread the message.
For anyone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings, there is help available. Please, please contact one of the following:
Washington Mind offers fully funded spaces on their A LIFE Worth Living Suicide Prevention training for those who live, work and volunteer across South Tyneside and Sunderland. You can book a space at washingtonmind.org.uk.
SHOUT on is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service on 85258 available 24/7, or the Samaritans provide free, confidential emotional support on 116 123.
Anyone urgently needing specialist advice can access 24/7 crisis support or information in Sunderland or South Tyneside, call NHS 111 (press 2).
The Samaritans said: “Small interruptions you make and actions you take could help someone who is suicidal. You don’t have to be an expert to save someone’s life.”
For mor information, visit wellbeinginfo.org.