Today is World Suicide Prevention Day 2019

On the 10th of September every year, organisations around the world come together to raise awareness of suicide and its prevention. Organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), the day has a different focus each year.​

This is the 17th year and the 2019 theme is: Working Together to Prevent Suicide, with the clear message that by working collaboratively we are able to prevent more deaths from suicide. At Kingsway, we are proud to play our part in this collaborative effort. And, through our work with international care facilities, we see, first-hand, the challenging and dedicated work carried out by care providers around the globe in helping to achieve this. 

Of course, as a sector, we recognise that more can always be done, and we support the IASP’s belief that by sharing resources, knowledge, funding, expertise and influence, we are more likely to make a sustained difference.

In the UK & Republic of Ireland there were 6,859 suicides in 2018, with the global number significantly higher. Although there are many different factors that influence suicide, it’s widely understood that raising awareness in itself can open up dialogue and be the catalyst for action in finding the varied and numerous solutions required to tackle the issue.

Last year 217 World Suicide Prevention Day events took place in 62 countries around the world, and involved thousands of people. The hope is for even greater involvement this year. But, for those affected by suicide: loved ones, families, friends and care givers; and those working in suicide prevention, the work happens daily.

The IASP actively supports and fosters inter-organisational work around this issue. You can find out more about them at iasp.info If you would like to know more about the ways in which Kingsway’s revolutionary anti-ligature and anti-barricade products can support suicide prevention in your hospital, mental health setting or facility, please get in touch with us here.

“Collectively we can make a difference.” Prof Murad Khan, President, IASP