Suicide prevention

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Suicide Prevention: Why It Matters

Suicide prevention is about creating a culture of care, awareness, and support that saves lives. It means recognising the signs of distress, offering compassion without judgement, and ensuring that people know they are not alone. Prevention is not only about intervention at crisis point it is about building resilience, reducing stigma, and making help accessible before someone reaches breaking point.

The need for suicide prevention is urgent. In 2024, 6,190 suicides were registered in England and Wales, reflecting a rate of 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people. This figure is almost unchanged from 2023, showing that progress is slow and consistent effort is needed. The statistics highlight that men aged 50–54 have the highest suicide rate (27.5 per 100,000), while for women the highest rate is among those aged 45–49 (7.9 per 100,000). Rates are also higher in Wales (15.7 per 100,000) compared to England (11.1 per 100,000). These figures remind us that suicide is not confined to any one group it affects families, workplaces, and communities across the country.

Responsibility for suicide prevention does not rest with professionals alone it belongs to all of us. Every person has the power to make a difference, whether by listening to a friend, checking in on a colleague, or challenging stigma in everyday conversations. Communities, schools, and workplaces all play a role in creating networks of support. When we work together, we build resilience and show that care is not limited to clinical settings but is woven into the fabric of daily life.

Ultimately, suicide prevention is about hope, connection, and collective responsibility. It reminds us that small acts of kindness can save lives, and that by standing together, we can ensure no one feels invisible or without options. Everyone has a part to play because every life matters.

Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide

PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.

Suicide is the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK. We believe that many suicides are preventable.

PAPYRUS was founded in 1997 by a group of bereaved parents, who had each lost children to suicide. Our founding parents shared core beliefs that suicide is preventable, and that those of us with lived experience of suicide have a valuable and unique contribution to make to the wider conversation around suicide.

Since then, PAPYRUS has grown into a UK-wide charity with offices in North West England, South West England, West Midlands, London, Northern Ireland, North Wales, South Wales, and Scotland.

Today, they are a leading youth suicide prevention charity in the UK. Our suicide prevention helpline, HOPELINE247, is staffed by trained suicide prevention advisers, who work with young people – and anybody concerned for a young person – to help keep them safe from suicide. HOPELINE247 is a free and confidential call, text and email service, which is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year (weekends and bank holidays included),

They work with communities across the UK, engaging them in our mission to prevent suicide in children and young people. They engage them through our resources and training, learning with them and galvanising them to help save young lives.

They also press for change to current legislation around suicide prevention on a regional and national level.

The work we do centres around five key pillars; Support, Equip, Influence, Sustain and Enable.

HOPELINE247

SUPPORT:

HOPELINE247 advisers want to work with you to understand why thoughts of suicide might be present. They also want to provide you with a safe space to talk through anything happening in your life that could be impacting on your or anyone else’s ability to stay safe.

For children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide
For anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide

Young people

Our advisers are all trained to help you focus on staying safe from suicide. Their training enables them to provide advice and support that may help you to move forward and stay alive.

Concerned others

If you are concerned that a young person is feeling suicidal, advisers can support you to start a conversation about suicide and explore options of how best to support them.

Contact HOPELINE247

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be you can contact HOPELINE247 for confidential support and practical advice.

Opening hours:

Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)

Our suicide prevention advisers are ready to support you.

Who can PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 help?

Young people, children, family, parents, siblings, partners, carers, grandparents
Concerned friends: at work, in school, college, university
GPs, nurses, teachers, school nurses, A&E staff, pastoral staff
Mental health professionals: CAMHS staff, CPNs, psychiatrists
Education staff: teachers, lecturers, learning mentors, education social workers
Police, ambulance staff, prison staff, drug and alcohol services, probation workers

About Samaritans

Samaritans is a UK and Ireland charity dedicated to providing free, confidential emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. Their mission is to ensure that no one has to face difficult feelings alone.

Founded in 1953 by Chad Varah, a vicar moved by the tragic death of a young girl who had no one to turn to, Samaritans was built on the principle of listening without judgement. Today, the organisation operates over 200 branches across the UK and Ireland, supported by tens of thousands of trained volunteers who give their time to answer calls, emails, and messages from people in need.

At the heart of Samaritans’ work is their 24/7 helpline (116 123), which is free to call and available every day of the year. This service offers a safe space for people to talk openly about their feelings, whether they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, or simply need someone to listen. Unlike clinical services, Samaritans does not give advice or diagnoses — instead, they provide compassionate listening, helping individuals explore their emotions and find their own way forward.

The charity is also deeply involved in community outreach and education. They work with schools, prisons, workplaces, and local organisations to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. Campaigns often focus on reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations, and equipping communities with the tools to support one another. Their approach is inclusive and non-religious, ensuring that anyone, regardless of background or belief, can access support.

Samaritans’ impact is profound: they answer millions of contacts each year, and their presence has become a cornerstone of suicide prevention in the UK. By relying on volunteers and donations, they embody the idea that suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Their work reminds us that sometimes the most powerful act is simply to listen, and that through compassion and connection, lives can be saved.

Contact Samaritans

Write an email

Sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better.

If you'd like to talk to someone face-to-face in a quiet, private space, some of our branches are offering in-person visits. Please check the details for your local branch to make sure this service is offered before visiting in person.

Suicide prevention

Contact us today