This Sunday, 10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day and we are continuing with the theme of ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ and encouraging people to talk about suicide.
It’s important to talk and write about suicide safely and responsibly, and using the right language is key to breaking down stigma.
When we use our words carefully, we can create a safe environment for people to open up.
Creating Hope Through Action in Glasgow
Within Glasgow City, there are a range of events taking place in the week leading up to and following World Suicide Prevention Day. Some of the partnership activity includes:
- North West ‘Celebration of Life’ event from 12:30pm on Friday 8th September at the Board Room and Tranquility Garden, Gartnavel Royal Hospital.
More info here: Celebration Life Event - North East ‘Tranquility Garden‘ event on Thursday 14th of September at 1.30pm. The event will focus on green space. aiding reflection and wellbeing, and will be held at Cranhill Development Trust, 109 Bellrock St, Glasgow G33 3HE.
More info: Tranquility Garden - Online awareness event ‘Creating Hope: Suicide Prevention Awareness’ on Monday 11th September, from 1pm.
- Samaritans will have a pop-up info stand at Glasgow’s Central Station on Thursday 7th and Monday 11th – all welcome.
- There will also be Conversation Cafes taking place on the trains during this time organised by Railway Mission.
- South ‘Meander for Mental Health’ will be on Saturday 16th September in the grounds of Leverndale Hospital.
- South and North East will host SuicideTALK training sessions.
Where to get help
If you are experiencing confusing or distressing thoughts, or if people around you have expressed concern about your wellbeing, arrange an appointment with your GP, or phone NHS 24 on 111.
If it would help you to talk with someone, freephone:
- Samaritans – 116 123
- Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87
If you, or someone you know, needs URGENT HELP, please phone the emergency services on 999.
Why Hope Matters from Cope Scotland
We do not need to go far to be reminded that we live in challenging times. However, worry and stress drain our energy to a point where we can feel overwhelmed. As we approach World Suicide Prevention Day, it matters more than ever that we find ways to help each other keep the flames of hope alive.
There are many things we can do to help each other get through these strange times. Offering compassion and listening to each other is a great place to start. Kinder conversations can help save lives.
Finding joy in moments can also help sustain us. The tips in this piece do not replace professional advice. They offer some ideas to help us remember there is still joy and hope in the world.
This article may also be of interest; looking back on earlier suicide prevention work, it contains a postcard and tips created with people who had felt so despairing they thought of suicide but decided to give life a chance. Their message is strong, which we want to repeat each year and includes a short video.
Never lose hope.
Please remember, you do matter, and people do care. Sometimes, it can take time to find them, but that does not mean they are not there. The Samaritans are there 24/7 on 116 123. Often, more people are willing to listen than we realise if we open up and share.
Let’s all find ways to help each other walk on the sunny side of the street, and when we cannot see the sun, don’t give up on looking for it; it is there, and together we can find it.
