World Suicide Prevention Day

Written By

Suicide is one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. Yet, for too long, it has remained shrouded in silence and stigma. At imabi, we believe that raising awareness, encouraging open conversations and signposting people to the right support can save lives.

This September and beyond, we are joining communities, organisations, and individuals across the UK and globally to say one thing loud and clear: you are not alone.

The Scale of the Crisis

According to the World Health Organisation:

  • Over 727,000 people die by suicide every year worldwide

  • That’s one person every 40 seconds

  • Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15–29, yet it is a tragedy that touches all ages, genders, and communities.

In the UK, the challenge is stark. The Office for National Statistics reported 6,069 registered suicides in England and Wales in 2023, the highest figure since records began in 1999. Men continue to account for around three-quarters of these deaths, with those aged 45–49 most at risk.

Alarmingly, suicide is now the leading cause of death for people under 35, claiming the lives of 1,840 young people in 2023 alone.

The statistics are even more concerning when broken down across communities:

  • LGB+ adults face more than double the suicide risk compared with heterosexual adults, with Black LGB+ individuals facing risks nearly five times higher

  • In male-dominated industries such as construction, workers are up to four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average

  • Over 26% of people who die by suicide in England had been in contact with mental health services in the year before their death, highlighting missed opportunities for prevention and support.

Each of these numbers is not just a statistic but a life cut short, a family left grieving, a community forever changed.

Why Talking Matters

Stigma and silence remain some of the biggest barriers to suicide prevention. Many people who experience suicidal thoughts never share what they are going through, fearing judgment, misunderstanding, or dismissal. By breaking this silence, we open the door to hope.

Conversations save lives and asking someone directly if they’re thinking about suicide does not “put the idea into their head.” In fact, research shows it can provide relief and open up a vital pathway to support.

At imabi, we encourage everyone - friends, families, colleagues, and communities - to listen without judgment, show compassion, and signpost help when it’s needed most.

💡 Prevention Through imabi

At imabi, prevention is at the heart of what we do. Our platforms are designed to help people feel safer, more connected, and supported before a crisis escalates:

✅ Early Reporting & Support: Our reporting tools allow individuals to share concerns (anonymously if they wish), so that early action can be taken to ensure prevention
✅ Access to Resources: imabi signposts to trusted helplines and mental health organisations, ensuring users can find the right support when they need it most
✅ Community Connection: features like journey sharing, local alerts, and wellbeing campaigns build safer environments and reduce isolation.
✅ Workplace & Education Safeguarding: hrough imabi Inspire and imabi Pro, employers and schools can provide clear pathways for staff and students to raise concerns, seek help, and access preventative resources.

Together, these tools contribute to a culture of openness, safety, and care — where reaching out for help is normalised, and no one feels they have to cope alone.

👉 Download the free imabi Travel Guardian app now to access safety tools, support resources, and wellbeing campaigns wherever you are:

Where to Find Help

If you are feeling overwhelmed, or worried about someone else, please reach out. Support is always available:

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999

Fore more information, click below to access World Suicide Prevention Day Campaign Pack, by IASP:

A Shared Responsibility

Suicide prevention is not just about health services or charities - it is about all of us. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a manager, a friend, or a stranger, you can play a part in saving a life. By listening, showing empathy, and connecting people to the support they need, you could make the difference that keeps someone here tomorrow.

At imabi, we will continue to use our platforms, partnerships, and community connections to raise awareness, signpost support, and encourage open conversations.

Together, we can create a society where every person feels valued, supported, and hopeful about their future.

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