World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10th is a day to raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention. Northern Ireland continues to have the highest suicide rates in the UK and men are three times more likely to commit suicide than females.

During difficult times, it is important to practice self-care and resilience. There are a number of protective factors that can reduce a person's vulnerability to suicide. These include:

• Maintaining strong personal relationships and positive family relationships
• A healthy active lifestyle.
• Willingness to seek help for mental, emotional or social problems.
• Skills in problem solving, conflict-handling, and non-violent resolution of disputes and distressing life events.
• Positive self-esteem.

SERC SU believe that there is no shame in reaching out if you are feeling stressed, depressed or hopeless. Please talk to someone you trust or you can use one of the contacts below.  

If you are in an emergency, call the police 999.

Samaritans Helpline: 116 123

• Confidential emotional support 24 hours a day for those in crisis or at risk of taking their own lives.

Lifeline: 0800 808 8000

• 24/7 helpline. Free calls with trained counsellors experienced in dealing with suicide, self-harm, abuse, trauma, depression and other issues.

Give Us A Shout:

• 85258 Shout is the UK's first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It's a place to go if you're struggling to cope and you need immediate help.

Stay Alive App

• The Stay Alive app is a pocket suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information to help you stay safe. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide.

Remember that suicide is a PERMANENT solution to a TEMPORARY problem.

You can find further resources and information on the SU Health and Wellbeing Hub.