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The UK marks World Suicide Prevention Day today, with Samaritans leading calls for the country to break its silence around suicide as part of the international "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" theme, while the Prince of Wales makes a high-profile visit to a new mental health centre in Wales.

Samaritans: "Find a Way to Say It"

This year the charity is urging people to ditch the stigma of talking about suicide by helping people "Find a Way to Say It." The campaign comes amid stark figures: suicide rates in England and Wales are now at their highest in over 20 years, and one in five people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime.

Samaritans research points to a persistent reluctance to talk about the issue. A survey commissioned by the charity found that only 45% of people feel comfortable talking to friends and family about their struggles, and 46% of the population would not start a conversation on the subject with someone they were concerned about, even if they knew that person was experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Prince William visits Cardiff mental health hub, highlights role of sport

Marking the day itself, the Prince of Wales is visiting a new mental health hub at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, run by the Jac Lewis Foundation — a charity set up in memory of Jac Lewis, a footballer from Ammanford who died by suicide in 2019 aged 27. William will attend the Principality Stadium, where the Jac Lewis Foundation is launching a new centre, which aims to ensure people can access rapid mental health and wellbeing support across Wales and will operate as a safe place for people to drop in and access professional wellbeing and mental health services in their local community.

As part of the visit, William will join members of the Welsh Rugby Union and Swansea City FC to discuss the role sport has in communities — underlining a message the Prince has increasingly championed: that staying active and engaged with sport and community groups can be a powerful, protective factor for mental health and a practical route into suicide prevention.

More than 7,000 people die by suicide each year in the UK, equating to an average of 19 lives lost per day. Men consistently account for 75% of suicides, with rates highest in the North of England and Wales, as well as in deprived areas across the UK.

Mental health has become one of the defining causes of William's public life. His Royal Foundation has contributed £1 million towards developing a national suicide prevention network for Britain, and he has repeatedly urged more openness on the issue, arguing that talking about suicide can help push the idea "further and further away" for someone in crisis.

Getting help

Anyone struggling can contact Samaritans free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on 116 123. Other UK support includes SANEline, available 4pm–10pm every day on 0300 304 7000, and local NHS mental health helplines for urgent help. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.

 

Designed: Chris Ingram, Jamie McGovern
Hosted: Unionsafety