Dozens of iconic buildings and community spaces across Essex and Hertfordshire will be lit up in green this September to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, 10th September, in the hope of sparking life-saving conversations.
From Monday 8th to Friday 12th September, the ‘Creating Hope Through Light’ campaign will see towns and cities across the region illuminated in green, to encourage people to talk more openly about suicide, how to prevent it and to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide.
Organised by Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System and Thurrock and Brentwood Mind, the campaign forms part of the #LetsTalkAboutSuicide initiative. It urges residents, businesses, and community groups to get involved by lighting up buildings, taking part in social media activity, becoming aware of the suicide prevention website and all tis resources and most importantly, completing free online suicide prevention training at www.letstalkaboutsuicide.co.uk
The training is simple, accessible, and based on three key steps:
See the signs, Say the words, and Signpost to support.
“Seeking help when we’re struggling can feel overwhelming, but we know that early support saves lives,” said Alfred Bandakpara-Taylor, Deputy Director of Mental Health at NHS Mid and South Essex ICB.
“By lighting up our towns and encouraging everyone to take the training, we want to build a community that is confident to talk about suicide and support each other through difficult times. A single conversation really can make the difference.”
Landmarks confirmed to go green include:
- Hospitals: Basildon, Southend, Broomfield
- Mind charities: Thurrock & Brentwood, South East & Central, Mid & North East Essex
- Civic buildings: County Hall (Chelmsford), Colchester Town Hall, Clacton & Maldon Council Offices, Harlow Civic Centre, Southend Civic Centre and Porters Mayor’s House
- Community halls and spaces: Thameside Complex (Grays), New Hall (Stanford-le-Hope), Marisco Hall (Chadwell St Mary), and many more
- Cultural sites: Colchester Castle, Southend City Beach, Riverside Leisure Centre (Chelmsford)
The full and growing list of participating venues can be viewed at www.letstalkaboutsuicide.co.uk/world-suicide-prevention-day
Wider community backing
While not all organisations are lighting up, many are supporting the message, including:
Lakeside Shopping Centre, Visit Essex, Home Start Essex, Daily Bread (Brentwood), local Family Hubs, and Cost Cutters (Brentwood).
“We are hugely grateful to every organisation getting involved,” said Lynne Morgan, CEO of Thurrock & Brentwood Mind.
“Each year this campaign grows, and more people take the training. We believe everyone should feel equipped to support someone in crisis. Suicide is preventable and together, we can help save lives.”
Get involved: light up, learn, share
Members of the public are encouraged to get involved in the campaign by:
- Taking the free 20 minute suicide prevention training
- Sharing messages of support on social media using #CreatingHopeThroughLight
- Downloading campaign materials and videos from the website
- Following @tbmindcharity on Instagram and Facebook
The reality in numbers
In 2023, 6069 people died by suicide in the UK, with 168 lives lost in Essex alone – (both of these figures increasing from 2022). Suicide remains the leading cause of death in men under 50 and is on the rise among younger people and marginalised groups.
With the continued impact of the cost-of-living crisis, and global uncertainty, mental health challenges are at an all-time high — but suicide is not inevitable. With the right tools, we can all be part of the solution.
Could you save a life?
- Could you recognise when someone is struggling?
- Would you know how to start a conversation?
- Can you say the word ‘suicide’ if you need to?
Start by visiting letstalkaboutsuicide.co.uk and take the training today.