Cheshire and Merseyside come together this autumn to raise awareness of suicide prevention and support for all

Communities across Cheshire and Merseyside are coming together this autumn to support a series of events that encourage conversations about suicide, reduce stigma, and make sure that everyone knows where to go for help and support for their mental health.

Sadly, some areas in Cheshire and Merseyside experience amongst the highest rates of death from suicide in the UK.

Led by a partnership, including local authorities in Cheshire and Merseyside, this joined-up programme reflects a shared commitment across the subregion to prevent suicide and support those affected.

Throughout September and October, a series of events will take place in Liverpool, bringing together people and organisations, locally through to internationally, along with experts and those with lived experience to highlight the importance of suicide prevention and support for those impacted by suicide.

This is the first time Liverpool has hosted such a wide range of events focused on suicide prevention and mental health support. It reflects a strong and growing commitment across the city and wider Cheshire and Merseyside subregion to tackle stigma, raise awareness, and supportive conversations and access to help.

These events create an opportunity to come together, look out for each other and remind everyone that support is always available if you reach out. No one needs to suffer alone.

Whether through research, creative expression or lived experience, the shared aim is to help people:

• Talk more openly about mental health and suicide
• Better understand the impact on individuals, families and communities
• Feel confident seeking help for themselves or others
• Connect with support services and local organisations

Events happening across the city of Liverpool 

Residents and professional across Cheshire and Merseyside are encouraged to get involved in a range of activities open to the public:

• Close to Home exhibition (5 September – 10 October)
  A powerful and moving creative programme at the Cunard Building, sharing real stories and experiences of those impacted by suicide. Developed with communities and individuals across England, Wales, and Ireland, it offers space to reflect, connect and start conversations.
• World Suicide Prevention Day Conference (10 September)
  Hosted by Liverpool John Moores University, bringing together experts to share knowledge about preventing suicide and supporting people in crisis.
• Suicide Bereavement UK Conference (16 September)
  Held at the Titanic Hotel, bringing together people from across the UK and beyond to improve support for those who have lost someone to suicide.

Suicide affects people from all walks of life, and its impact is felt across families, friendships, and communities. By coming together around these events, we are taking a clear and proactive stand: suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and we want to make sure:

• Information is clear and easy to find
• Support services are visible and accessible
• People feel safe to speak up and ask for help

Dr Rory McGill, Lead Director of Public Health for Suicide Prevention in Cheshire and Merseyside said:

“Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide and supporting those affected.  These landmark events create opportunities to learn more, access free training online, check in on someone or share information about the help available. 

"By coming together across Cheshire and Merseyside we aim to build safety, compassion and understanding for all.  When people choose to learn how to start conversations and offer help, lives are saved.” 

Free suicide prevention training

Alongside the events, the partnership is promoting practical ways for people to support themselves and others.

Free Suicide Prevention Training developed by the Zero Suicide Alliance, helps people feel more confident offering support to someone they are worried about. It combines lived experience, community insight and practical guidance to empower people to have compassionate conversations and support someone to access the help they need.

The Zero Suicide Alliance offer a range of suicide prevention training programmes that deal with specific situations (e.g. if you’re a healthcare worker or work on public transport) and for groups in the community that often face greater risk including a new course about supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community – developed in partnership with Liverpool City Council.

Resources for help in the workplace

For those looking for how to support people in the workplace, visit the Cheshire and Merseyside Suicide Prevention Partnership website.

Where to go for help

The Kind to your mind website urgent help page offers support for all age groups, directing people to local services and national organisations.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7:

• For urgent mental health support call 111 and choose the mental health option
• Support is available for those bereaved or impacted by suicide
• Call Samaritans on 116 123 for 24-hour listening support.
• Papyrus HOPELINE247: 0800 068 4141
• In an emergency, if you or someone you know is in immediate danger dial 999

You can also contact your GP for help with mental health and wellbeing or to connect you to local mental health support across Cheshire and Merseyside.