The city’s Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum is supporting the international campaign to encourage a shared moment, a moment to pause, check in, and support one another.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "Changing the narrative on suicide means shifting from silence and stigma to openness, empathy, and support – encouraging honest conversations that break down barriers and foster understanding.

“The campaign promotes compassion for those struggling, recognises suicidal thoughts as signs of deep distress, and advocates for non-judgmental listening, empathy and compassion.

"While the topic can be overwhelming for those with lived experience, World Suicide Prevention Day offers a space for awareness, healing, and meaningful participation at every level.

“Our message is clear; if you or someone you know requires support, don’t suffer in silence – help is out there.”  

To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, The Hub at Wolverhampton railway station is hosting a Wellbeing Week and is inviting residents to come along to find out more about local support services. On World Suicide Prevention Day itself, people are welcome to join an Unspoken Word poetry event, exploring hope, connection and the things we find difficult to say, taking place between noon and 3pm.

Meanwhile, there is a range of help and support available across the area for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair including:  

• Everyday mental health tips: NHS-approved advice at Every Mind Matters
• Urgent mental health support available 24/7 – call NHS 111 (option 2) or text 07860 025281
• Support from your GP practice: Your GP is there for your mental health and physical health. Many practices now have Social Prescribers for help with things like loneliness, money worries, housing or getting active
• Out-of-hours help from Rethink: Wolverhampton Sanctuary Hub, 84 Salop Street – call 0808 802 2288 or text 07860 065168
• NHS Talking Therapies: Self-refer for support with anxiety, stress, depression and low mood 
• The Samaritans provide emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of emotional distress or despair, 24 hours a day, seven days a week – call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 
• Local community support: Find local organisations on the Hub of Hope directory 
• Rethink Support After Suicide offer support those bereaved by suicide. Their service offers One to one practical support, counselling and Bereavement Peer Support Groups – call 0800 008 6516 or email blackcountrysupportaftersuicide@rethink.org
• The Violet Project offer a Suicide Bereavement Support Group which meets monthly - email info@violetproject.co.uk or phone 03301 333231.

There are also a range of resources, including online training, offered by the council and Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum, which can be found on the Wolverhampton Information Network.

For more information on World Suicide Prevention Day, please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention website.