Birmingham City Council is marking World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September by working with partners to raise awareness of suicide, reduce stigma and encourage action on suicide prevention.
The council’s message is a simple one: suicide prevention is everyone’s business.
Suicide can be difficult to talk about. It can be the elephant in the room – something people know is there, but don’t know how to raise.
In the build-up to World Suicide Prevention Day, Birmingham is encouraging people to start those conversations.
You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to have all the answers. You can make a difference by noticing when someone might not be themselves, asking how they are, listening without judgement and helping them find support.
The message comes as Birmingham prepares to welcome the Baton of Hope back to the city in 2027, with Birmingham City Council, Samaritans Birmingham, Cruse Bereavement Support Birmingham, James’ Place and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust working together to bring the national suicide prevention initiative to the city.
The partnership reflects Birmingham’s approach to suicide prevention; that no single organisation can prevent suicide alone and that communities, charities, health services, businesses, sports organisations and individuals all have a role to play.
Cllr Nosheen Khalid, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care at Birmingham City Council, said:
“Too many people suffer in silence because they feel they have nowhere to turn or because they're afraid to talk about how they're feeling. We have to change that.
“World Suicide Prevention Day is a reminder that a simple conversation can save a life. You don't need to be a mental health expert. You don't need to have all the answers. What matters is showing up, listening without judgement and letting someone know they are not alone.
“Suicide prevention starts in our communities, in our families, our workplaces, our schools, our places of worship and among our friends. Every one of us has a role to play in creating a city where people feel supported, connected and able to ask for help when they need it.
“No single organisation can do this alone. It takes all of us working together, from the NHS and voluntary sector to local charities, businesses, community groups and people with lived experience who are helping break down stigma every day.
“The elephant is in the room. Let's stop avoiding it. Let's talk about suicide openly, compassionately and honestly. Because talking about it can be the first step towards hope, recovery and saving a life.”
You don’t have to have all the answers
If you're worried about someone, don't wait for the perfect moment. Reach out. A simple question can make a huge difference:
"I've noticed you don't seem yourself lately. How are you doing?"
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is listen.
If you’re concerned that someone may be thinking about suicide, it’s OK to ask them directly. Listen to what they say without judgement, take them seriously, let them know you care and encourage them to seek further support.
Support is available
There are services across Birmingham that provide support to people who are struggling, as well as people who are concerned about someone else.
Samaritans Birmingham provide a safe place for people to talk about what they’re going through, without judgement.
James’ Place provides specialist support for men experiencing suicidal crisis and is working with partners in Birmingham to encourage men to talk about how they are feeling and reach out for help.
Cruse Bereavement Support Birmingham supports people who have been affected by bereavement, including those grieving after a suicide.
NHS support includes:
Birmingham City Council’s suicide prevention webpages are a useful resource, bringing together information about local support, advice about talking to someone who may be feeling suicidal and ways people can get involved in suicide prevention.
The Council’s message is clear:
Suicide is preventable, conversations can save lives and suicide prevention is everyone’s business.
