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World Suicide Prevention Day 2026

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World Suicide Prevention Day is on 10 September 2026 and looks for all of us to raise awareness and take meaningful steps towards preventing suicide and supporting those who may be struggling to cope. Suicide has a profound and lasting impact on families, communities and society as a whole.

The theme ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ emphasis’s a call to action for us all to Start the Conversation. It asks us to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster open, compassionate conversations about suicide. It is about shifting from silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support, creating environments where people feel able to speak up and seek help.

Did you know? 
  • 290 suicide deaths were registered in Northern Ireland, this marked a rise from 221 in 2023
  • Males represented 75.9% of suicides registered among those aged 16–64
  • Suicide remains the leading cause of death in males under 50 in Northern Ireland. Of all male deaths registered in 2024 where the deceased was under 50 years of age (690), 151 were to suicide (21.9%).
  • The number of suicide deaths was highest for men between the ages of 25 and 29 (9.7 per cent), while for women the highest number of suicide deaths was between the ages of 40 and 44 (3.8 per cent).
  • 1 in 4 suicide deaths registered was someone under the age of 30 and 1 in 5 suicide deaths registered in 2024 was someone aged 60 or over.
  • When considering marital status, the crude suicide death rate per 100,000 population (aged 16+) was higher among those who were single (30.9), divorced (27.4) or widowed (18.7), compared to those recorded as married (9.2).
  • 230 (79.3 per cent) of the 290 suicide deaths registered in 2024 were males and 60 (20.7 per cent) were females.

(Source: Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, 2024)

What can each of us do
  • Send a text or call a friend, family member, or colleague you think might be struggling.
  • Listen without judgment: Give people a safe space to share their feelings and listen with empathy.
  • Talk honestly: Break the silence by having open and honest discussions about mental health and suicide.
  • Share help resources: Guide people toward professional mental health support when they need it.
  • Spread awareness in your workplace or school to build a more caring and informed community.
Where to go for help

If you are struggling to cope, or you know someone who is/may be struggling there is help available around the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place for anyone whoever they are, however they feel:

  • Minding Your Head - find out more about mental health and the issues that can affect it; early warning signs that a mental health issue may be developing; tips on how to maintain good mental health.
    Website http://www.mindingyourhead.info/

  • Lifeline – a free 24-hour crisis response helpline for people who are experiencing distress or despair, where trained counsellors will listen and help immediately on the phone and follow up with other support if necessary. Phone: 0808 808 8000 | Website: http://www.lifelinehelpline.info

  • Samaritans – a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout UK and Ireland, often through their telephone helpline or online chat. Freephone: 116 123 | Website https://www.samaritans.org/

  • PIPS Suicide Prevent Ireland – a registered charity aimed at providing counselling and befriending support to individuals who are experiencing or have experienced suicidal thoughts or mental unwellness. PIPS Charity also provides support to families and friends who have been touched by suicide. Freephone: 0800 088 6042 (9am-9pm Mon-Fri & 10am-6pm Sat-Sun) | Website: https://pipscharity.com/

  • SHOUT –  a free, confidential and 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs support. Shout provides support to anyone struggling to cope who needs to talk. Text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (24/7)
  • AWARE NI – the Depression Charity for Northern Ireland. AWARE NI has an established network of 24 support groups across the country alongside online support group options. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Website: https://www.aware-ni.org/ 

  • International Association for suicide prevent: resources for practical guidance on how to talk about suicide. Website: https://www.iasp.info/

  • Bereavement NI –The Northern Ireland Bereavement Network is a collaborative group that connects Health and Social Care (HSC) trusts, government departments, and voluntary organizations to improve grief support services across the region. Website: Bereaved By Suicide - Bereaved NI

  • Lighthouse - an organisation committed to the prevention of suicide; the promotion of positive mental health and the provision of support services to families who have been bereaved due to suicide. Website: Introduction | Lighthouse (see Get Support section)
Events & Resources
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