World Suicide Prevention Day 10 September
The World Health Organization estimates that over 800,000 people die by suicide each year – that’s one person every 40 seconds. In Australia more than 2500 people die each year with latest figures (2014) telling us that 2,864 Australians took their own life. Research also tells us that some 65,000 think about attempting suicide each year. This tragic ripple effect means that there are many, many more people who are impacted by or exposed to suicide and the pain it brings when… it touches our lives.
This World Suicide Prevention Day we’d like you to help us create a positive ripple effect, with as many suicide prevention awareness raising events as possible being held in Australia on or around World Suicide Prevention Day. Check out the Events page to see what’s happened near you. To find out about events planned across the globe, go to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) page.
‘Connect, communicate, care’ is the theme of the 2016 World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September). These three words are at the heart of suicide prevention and complement the efforts of our friends on R U OK? Day (8 September) to raise public awareness about the importance of having a conversation and, most importantly, how.
A big focus for the sector this WSPD is a research project with UNE to help us understand the magnitude of suicide in Australia and its impact on our communities. The survey has now closed with results will be launched on 10 September.