Changing the Narrative on Suicide: World Suicide Prevention Day and Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope 2025

Today (10 September 2025) is World Suicide Prevention Day, and the start of Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope (10 September to 10 October 2025). The campaign brings people together to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and show support for those affected by suicide.

This year’s theme is: “Changing the narrative on suicide.”

The theme calls on us all to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster open, compassionate conversations about suicide.

You are not alone

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help and support is available right now. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.

Urgent mental health support

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or severely worried, you can contact your local urgent mental health team by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option 2.

You can call for yourself, or someone else. It is for all ages, including children and young people and those with neurodevelopmental needs. It is free and available 24/7.

In emergency situations where there is an immediate risk to life, you should contact 999 or go to A&E.

Other helplines

These free helplines are there to help when you're feeling down or desperate. Unless it says otherwise, they're open 24 hours a day, every day.

You can also call these helplines for advice if you're worried about someone else.

Samaritans (for everyone) - Call 116 123
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day
Papyrus (prevention of young suicide HOPELINE247) - Call 0800 068 41 41
Childline (for children and young people under 19) - Call 0800 1111 – the number will not show up on your phone bill
SOS Silence of Suicide (for everyone) - Call 0300 1020 505 – 4pm to midnight every day.

Message a text line

If you do not want to talk to someone over the phone, these text lines are open 24
hours a day, every day.

Shout Crisis Text Line (for everyone) - Text "SHOUT" to 85258
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger (for people under 19) - Text "YM" to 8525

Talk to Someone You trust

Let family or friends know what's going on for you. They may be able to offer support and help keep you safe. There's no right or wrong way to talk about suicidal feelings – starting the conversation is what's important.

Who else can you talk to

If you find it difficult to talk to someone you know, you could:

• Call a GP – ask for an emergency appointment.
• Contact your mental health crisis team – if you have one.

Useful links and resources

Self Harm

Mental Health

A graphic with an image of two people and the shine a spotlight on suicide logo

Bereavement

A blue graphic with the Greater Manchester Bereavement details

For those who are worried about someone ending their life

Recovery Academy

The Recovery Academy is an inclusive educational space where individuals, families, carers, and professionals can access tools and knowledge to support mental health, wellbeing, and recovery.

It offers over 65 face-to-face courses across Greater Manchester and a range of online resources available.

It is free to join and open to:

anyone who is experiencing mental health and/or addiction difficulties, and their supporters (family, friends, carers).
GMMH staff, peers, and students on placement.
other healthcare professionals or external organisations.

The Let's Talk about Suicide course aims to:

Increase confidence in discussing suicide
Challenge the stigma and myths that surround suicide
Explore the common risk factors that are associated with suicide
Increase understanding around protective factors and safety plans
Identify appropriate signposting information to support people in accessing support.

Join the conversation!

At GMMH, we have bold ambition and aspiration of working towards Zero Suicides, underpinned by three primary drivers:

High quality personalised, compassionate care
Partnership working
A just learning culture

We believe that suicide is everyone’s business.

Together, we can make a difference by role modelling our values; prioritising learning and improvement; and collaborating with other GMMH teams and colleagues, partners, communities, service users, carers, those affected by suicide, and those who live with suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Join us on social media:

X (formally Twitter): @GMMH_NHS
Facebook: @GMMentalHealth
Instagram: @gmmh_nhs

Or, search the hashtags: #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #ChangeTheNarrative

Changing the Narrative on Suicide: World Suicide Prevention Day and Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope 2025 | News and Events

Search the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT website