World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 | East London NHS Foundation Trust

Every year on 10 September, World Suicide Prevention Day is marked to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide.

The theme is set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for Suicide Prevention, a global partnership of mental health organisations promoting evidence-based action to reduce suicidal behaviour. The current theme covers 2024-2026, focussing on ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ - moving from a culture of silence and shame to understanding and support.

We are reminding our communities across east London, Bedfordshire and Luton that there are many ways to reach out for help, if they are concerned for their mental wellbeing.

Take a look below at services available for those concerned about their mental health, as well as events being held by external partners. 👇

If you are in a mental health crisis, you can call NHS 111, Option 2 in east London, Bedfordshire and Luton. You will be connected to a 24/7 mental health service. Take a look at our 'Get Help in an Emergency' web page for full details.

Immediate help can be provided for those in crisis or distress via walk-in services across our east London boroughs. This is a safe, supportive place for those who feel they are struggling and/or not coping.

City & Hackney

The Raybould Centre, City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health, London, E9 6SR
Monday – Friday: 6pm-9pm, Saturday and Sunday: 12pm-4pm
elft.crisiscafe2@nhs.net or 07393 762 366

Newham

Stratford Advice Arcade, 107-109 The Grove, London, E15 1HP
Monday – Thursday: 5-9pm, Friday – Sunday: 3-9pm
togethercafe@mindthnr.org.uk or 07511 075 701

Charity Mind BLMK provides services for adult residents across Bedfordshire and Luton struggling with their mental health.

Recovery Lounges are provided across various locations in BLMK, and appointments are not required. Each site is open from 5pm-11pm, and you can take a look at Mind’s website for the daily schedule.

Those with lived experiences of mental health conditions run free educational workshops and courses to promote wellbeing and support people along their recovery.

East London – Registration form, elft.elrc@nhs.net, 020 7426 2332
Bedfordshire and Luton – Registration form, elft.recoverycollege@nhs.net, 01234 263621 (Bedford) or 01582 315987 (Luton)

Fully qualified mental health professionals and trained volunteers from across Leighton Buzzard have co-produced a face-to-face drop-in service for anybody who would like support.

You do not need a diagnosis of a mental health condition to turn up, and it is tailored towards those who:

Would like advice as part of their recovery
Want support if they are close to/experiencing a mental health crisis
May be feeling lonely or isolated
Would like advice about caring for a loved one with a mental health condition
Need help with practical issues like applying for benefits
Need signposting to a range of other services in Bedfordshire
Would like to join in activities, such as a gardening group or monthly quiz nights

The service can be found at Whichellos Wharf The Elms, Stoke Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 2TD. It is open from 5:30-9pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, and 10am-3pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information, you can contact elft.thelighthouse@nhs.net.

Samaritans works in partnership with ELFT to support vulnerable patients and service users.

Its aim is to reduce suicides, raise awareness and improve suicide prevention measures in the community or in specific areas such as NHS settings, the railways and the criminal justice system.

Samaritans provides a 24/7 helpline for those in distress, who have suicidal thoughts or just want someone to talk to. There is a webchat service currently operating each evening accessed via www.samaritans.org.

For NHS practitioners based in Bedfordshire, Samaritans offers a Third-Party Referral Process if they are concerned about a service user and, with the service user’s consent, can arrange via 116 123 for a volunteer to phone the person at an agreed time.

Samaritans also has a dedicated web page for Suicide Prevention Day, which includes advice on how to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and ideas for how to support yourself if you are struggling.

Date and time	Event	Event details
Thursday 10 September 2026, 10:00am–11:00am	World Suicide Prevention Day Conference and Service of Remembrance	Online and open to anyone interested in attending. Organised by the South East London Suicide Bereavement Service partnership, including Mind in Bexley, South East London Mind and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The conference will highlight suicide-prevention work and include a non-denominational service of remembrance. Registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/world-suicide-prevention-day-conference-tickets-1992060162571
Thursday 10 September 2026, 1:00pm–2:30pm	ZSA Training: Suicide Awareness and Supportive Conversations	Online training suitable for anyone wanting to feel more confident having safe, supportive conversations and recognising when someone may be struggling. Includes practical guidance, Q&A, and post-event materials. Registration and further details: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/zsa-training-suicide-awareness-and-supportive-conversations-tickets-1997480083701
Thursday 10 September 2026, 2:00pm–5:00pm	Stories of Hope: A World Suicide Prevention Day Film Premiere – afternoon session	A free public event co-produced by Havering's Suicide Prevention Lived Experience Advisory Group, Havering Adult College and Havering Public Health. Includes a film screening and live Q&A. Advance booking is required. Details and booking: https://www.adph.org.uk/networks/london/events/stories-of-hope-a-world-suicide-prevention-day-film-premiere/
Thursday 10 September 2026, 5:00pm–6:30pm	Stories of Hope: A World Suicide Prevention Day Film Premiere – early-evening session	A second, separately bookable session of the Havering event, including the film screening and live Q&A. Free, but advance registration is required. Details: https://www.adph.org.uk/networks/london/events/stories-of-hope-a-world-suicide-prevention-day-film-premiere/
Available until 31 March 2027	Free Suicide Awareness Training for volunteers – Newham	A free online course for people aged 16+, promoted through Newham's volunteer platform. Covers basic suicide awareness, recognising warning signs, supportive conversations and where to find support. A downloadable certificate is available on completion. Registration/details: https://volunteers.newham.gov.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10270006
Various dates	Thrive London mental health and suicide-prevention training	Tower Hamlets Council signposts Thrive London training for frontline workers, including suicide prevention alongside psychological first aid, trauma-informed practice and other mental-health topics. Useful for VCSE staff and volunteers. Details: https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/community_and_living/voluntary-and-community-sector/External-funding-and-training/Training-opportunities.aspx
Various dates	Tower Hamlets health and care workforce: ASIST and Suicide First Aid training	The Tower Hamlets Training Hub lists Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) and Suicide First Aid among its education programmes for the local health and care workforce. Details: https://www.gpcaregroup.org/health-care-professionals/education-for-clinical-staff/care-group-training