World Suicide Prevention Day 2026
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a global awareness day dedicated to reducing stigma, encouraging conversations about suicide and raising awareness of the mental health support available. The theme of this year’s awareness day from The International Association for Suicide Prevention is 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide’.
This theme highlights the importance of having conversations and breaking down barriers, raising awareness and creating better cultures of understanding and support. It means listening without judgement, offering support and guiding individuals towards help.
We are proud to be working with Tom Chapman, a local mental health trainer and barber from Torquay. Tom lost a friend to suicide and subsequently went on to set up The Lions Barber Collective and Hear to Talk Training to support others and raise awareness.
Tom has recorded a short video to highlight how vital it is to talk to someone if you are feeling suicidal, encouraging people to really listen and look out for others. You can watch the video on our YouTube channel.
As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, TALKWORKS are sharing a very special song from service users, Dave and Finn, who wrote the piece together about hope, to help those who are struggling. The song called ‘Promise’, shares a powerful message that help is available and that things can get better, even during the darkest of times. By sharing their story through music, the pair hope to encourage others who may be struggling with their mental health to reach out for support and know that they are not alone.
Alongside this important message, Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) are sharing some personal stories including a blog from Young advisor Emily, and a blog from Astro, also a Young advisor. As well as this Astro and Cal share their experiences and talk about the importance of reaching out and finding support in this short video.
The Letter of Hope and the Letter for Tomorrow are also here to offer help and hope to those who are thinking about suicide. They were both written by adults and people with learning disabilities from across Devon and are available to read in the Recovery and Wellbeing section of our website.
People are encouraged to share all these resources available with friends and family.
Urgent mental health support is available by called NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.