Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide, and 1 in 4 of us experiences suicidal thoughts.

Every year on 10 September, organisations, individuals and communities around the world come together for World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s theme focuses very much on encouraging everyone to start conversations.

It calls on us all to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster open, compassionate conversations about suicide. It is about shifting from silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support, creating environments where people feel able to speak up and seek help.

The message from organisations like Samaritans is clear: “If you think someone might be struggling, take action, interrupt their thoughts, and show them you care. You don’t have to be an expert to save a life.”

Whether in workplaces, schools, or local communities, people are navigating challenges that can feel overwhelming. We may notice subtle changes in someone: a colleague, a friend, or a young person who seems unusually quiet, withdrawn, or under pressure. Yet, even when we notice that something isn’t right, we often hesitate to speak up. We worry about saying the wrong thing or not having all the answers.

At MCR Pathways, the empathy, active listening, and care that volunteer trusted adult mentors show young people every day are values that extend to everything we do. Creating a culture where people feel able to speak openly, ask for support, and look out for one another starts with all of us.

The Power of Small Interruptions

Research from Samaritans shows that the majority of people who have experienced suicidal thoughts had those thoughts interrupted by someone else. Often, it was simply a small moment of human connection that made all the difference.

You don’t need special training to make a difference in someone’s day:

• Notice: Pay attention when someone isn’t acting like themselves.
• Interrupt: Reach out with a simple gesture—a cup of tea, a walk, or a quiet chat. A small moment reminds someone they aren’t facing things alone.
• Ask again: When you ask “How are you?”, the automatic response is often “I’m fine.” A gentle follow-up like “How are things really?” shows you genuinely have time to listen.
• Listen without judgement: Give them space to talk without trying to “fix” the problem. Hearing “That sounds really tough, I’m here for you” can be life-changing.

Living Our Values

At MCR Pathways, we are committed to building supportive environments for young people, volunteer mentors, and colleagues. We know that supporting our community effectively through life’s barriers starts with investing in human connection and mental health awareness.

Members of our team, who have also trained to become Mental First Aiders within the organisation, reflect on why reaching out matters:

“Starting a conversation can be as simple as saying: ‘I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit quiet lately, and I just wanted to check in. How are you really doing?’ You never have to go through difficult times alone.” – Amanda Smillie.

“I don’t want anyone to feel they have to be strong all the time. Life can be tricky. If taking the time to listen means even one person feels comfortable saying ‘I’m not fine,’ that makes all the difference.” – Jill Robb.

You Don’t Have to Be an Expert to Care

Whether you are checking in on a colleague, supporting a friend, or stepping up as a volunteer mentor to a young person in your local community, simply showing that you care is powerful.

“Through my own mental health journey, I’ve learned how important it is to recognise when life challenges feel overwhelming” says Barbara Dempsey.

Barbara continues: “As Mental Health First Aiders, we’re here to get conversations started, to listen, and to provide support when it’s needed most. You are never alone in life’s journey – please call someone and say whatever comes to mind.” 

This World Suicide Prevention Day, take a moment to reach out to someone around you. You don’t need all the answers – you just need to be willing to start the conversation, listen, and respond.

Crisis & Support Resources

If you or someone you know needs support or someone to talk to:

• Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, confidential support 24/7, or email jo@samaritans.org
• Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential crisis text support 24/7.
• NHS 111 / NHS 24 (Scotland): Call 111 for urgent mental health advice.
• Emergency: If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

 

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a volunteer mentor with MCR Pathways, please visit: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/