World Suicide Prevention Day 2026
World Suicide Prevention Day, marked every year on 10 September, is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide, challenge stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds worldwide and remains the biggest killer of men under 49 in the UK. In London, around 11 people die by suicide every week.
At South West London and St George's, we are committed to preventing suicide, reducing stigma and ensuring people know that support is available. We work closely with people with lived experience, local communities and partner organisations to make suicide prevention everyone's business and encourage more open conversations about suicide and mental health.
Hold the Hope: putting lived experience at the heart of suicide prevention
One powerful example of this work is Hold the Hope, a film created in 2023 by six volunteers with personal experience of suicide.
Drawing on their own experiences, the group developed the film to help break the silence surrounding suicide and encourage open, honest conversations. Through sharing their stories, they hope to help others feel less alone and provide insights that can support people through difficult times.
Since 2024, Hold the Hope has formed part of a series of suicide awareness sessions delivered across south west London and beyond. The sessions are offered to mental health professionals, volunteers, schools, universities, community and voluntary organisations, police, healthcare staff and other groups.
The training is delivered by one of the project's co-founders, Jo Lambert, alongside Trust clinicians, combining professional expertise with powerful lived experience.
Find out more about the project and watch the film trailer on our Hold the Hope webpage.
Take action with #ZeroSuicideLDN
Another important initiative helping to save lives is #ZeroSuicideLDN, a London-wide campaign launched by the Mayor of London in 2019.
The campaign has helped almost 500,000 people across the capital access free online suicide prevention training, giving people the skills and confidence to support someone who may be struggling.
Developed by the Zero Suicide Alliance, the training takes around 30 minutes to complete and teaches people how to have a direct and compassionate conversation about suicide and mental health. It also helps tackle the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help or speaking openly about their experiences.
The training is free, accessible online and suitable for anyone who wants to learn more about suicide prevention.
Take the training and find out more on the #ZeroSuicideLDN website.
Support is available
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, support is available.
If you need urgent mental health support, you can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In an emergency, or if there is an immediate risk to life, call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
Find more ways to get help with your mental health on our urgent help page.
