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 people to take action on suicide prevention.
The council is urging residents across Birmingham to talk openly about suicide, check in with those around them and help break down the stigma that can prevent people asking for help.
You don't need to be an expert
Birmingham's message is straightforward: suicide prevention is everyone's business. Those worried about someone do not need to wait for the perfect moment or have all the answers. A simple conversation can make a difference.
People can make a difference by noticing when someone might not be themselves, asking how they are, listening without judgement and helping them find support.
Partnership approach to prevention
Birmingham City Council is working with Samaritans Birmingham, Cruse Bereavement Support Birmingham, James' Place and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust on suicide prevention.
The partnership reflects Birmingham's approach that no single organisation can prevent suicide alone. Communities, charities, health services, businesses, sports organisations and individuals all have a role to play.
Birmingham is preparing to welcome the Baton of Hope back to the city in 2027 as part of the national suicide prevention initiative.
Cabinet member's message
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."
Khalid added: "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."
