{"id":35,"date":"2022-09-06T11:14:54","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T10:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-student-experience\/?p=35"},"modified":"2022-09-13T09:55:10","modified_gmt":"2022-09-13T08:55:10","slug":"world-suicide-prevention-day-saturday-10-september","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-student-experience\/2022\/09\/06\/world-suicide-prevention-day-saturday-10-september\/","title":{"rendered":"World Suicide Prevention Day \u2013 Saturday 10 September"},"content":{"rendered":"

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World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 with the very simple aim of focusing attention on the issue, reducing the stigma around suicide, raising awareness across our communities, and giving a message that suicide can be prevented.<\/p>\n

The latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics show that 4,912 suicides were registered in England in 2020 and that the male suicide rate (15.3 per 100,000) continues to be higher when compared to the female suicide rate (4.9 per 100,000).<\/p>\n

As I reflect on these statistics, it is apparent that\u00a0we may all be affected by suicide at some point\u00a0during our lives. Whether that is struggling with our own mental health, supporting friends, family, colleagues, or peers with suicidal thoughts, or knowing someone who has attempted or taken their own life.<\/p>\n

I am not an expert on suicide or suicide prevention, but it strikes me that as we go about our busy personal and professional lives it can sometimes be difficult to find the time to stop, notice when someone may be struggling, and give them the time to talk. You do not need to be an expert - just being there to listen and show you care may be enough to help them work through whatever is troubling them.<\/p>\n

Following this year\u2019s World Suicide Prevention Day, I am asking colleagues and students to give less than half an hour to complete the online Zero Suicide Alliance Training<\/strong>:<\/p>\n