Changing the Narrative on Suicide

Between 2021 and 2023, 38 people in Merton died by suicide. This is lower than the national average, but each life lost has a lasting impact on families, friends and our wider community. This year’s theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” is a call for all of us to speak more openly, break down stigma, and show that support is always available. 

How you can take action

• Start the conversation: Reach out to someone you are concerned about. Listening with empathy can make a real difference.

• Take the free training: The Zero Suicide Alliance offers a short online course that gives practical tools to recognise the signs and know how to respond. It only takes around 20 minutes, but the knowledge could save a life. CLICK HERE

• Share resources: Encourage others to take the training and make use of local and national support services listed below.

• Language matters: It is important to talk about suicide in ways that reduce stigma. For example, we say “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide” because the latter links suicide with crime and blame. Using compassionate and accurate language helps create an environment where people feel able to seek help.

Suicide Prevention Resources

PAPYRUS – HOPELINE247

• What it is: A free, confidential helpline staffed by trained advisers, available 24/7.

• Who it’s for: Young people up to the age of 35 who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, as well as parents, carers and professionals worried about a young person.

• Contact: Call 0800 068 4141, text 88247, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org

• Click here for Papyrus Supporter Pack WSPD 2025

Mates in Mind

• What it is: A workplace-focused charity providing resources, training, and guidance to help employers build a positive mental health culture and tackle stigma around suicide.

• Who it’s for: Employers, managers and staff across sectors – particularly those in higher-risk industries like construction, transport and agriculture. They also signpost individuals to confidential support services.

• Contact: support@matesinmind.org or visit www.matesinmind.org

• Click here for Mates in Mind World Supporter Pack WSPD 2025

James' Place

• What it is: A specialist charity offering free, life-saving therapy in a welcoming, non-clinical setting. Appointments are available quickly, often within two working days.
• Who it’s for: Men in suicidal crisis, at centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.
• Contact: jamesplace.org.uk/get-support | London 020 3488 8404 
• Click here to download the St James place Outreach Poster

Zero Suicide Alliance Training

• What it is: A free, online training course that teaches how to spot the signs, start a conversation, and provide support to someone who may be feeling suicidal.
• Who it’s for: Everyone. The training is short, accessible, and designed for individuals, families, workplaces and community groups.
• Click here to take the training or visit zerosuicidealliance.com
  

Sunshine Recovery Café Merton

• What it is: A calm, welcoming, non-clinical safe space offering emotional support, crisis intervention, and practical assistance. Services include peer-led drop-ins, one-to-one support, health and wellbeing programmes, groups like art therapy and yoga, and signposting to relevant services.
• Who it’s for: Adults (18+) in Merton and neighbouring areas such as Sutton, Wandsworth, Kingston, and Richmond, who are in mental health crisis or feel they may be heading toward one. Self-referral is accepted; no appointment needed.
• When it's open: Monday to Friday: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Weekends & Bank Holidays: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Location: 296a Kingston Road, London, SW20 8LX
• Contact details: Reception / Café phone: 020 8417 1960 or 07908 436 617 Email: info@cdars.org.uk

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

• Call your GP – ask for an emergency appointment.
• Call 111 out of hours – they will help you find the support and help you need.
• Contact your mental health crisis team, if you have one.
• Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
• Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text "YM" if you're under 19
• Call a confidential helpline below

Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

• someone's life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose
• you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe

A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.

Confidential helplines

• Samaritans: 116 123

The Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way, about whatever’s getting to you. 24/7 support for people who are in despair or suicidal.

• Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393

The team at the mental health charity Mind can provide information on a range of topics including types of mental health problem, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments.

• Workplace Mental Health Support Service: 0300 456 8114

Provided by Remploy, in partnership with Access to Work, WMHSS offers a free and confidential support service to help you remain in your job when it is being affected by stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health issue (whether diagnosed or not). If you are finding work difficult or you are absent from work, their advisors will help you make a wellbeing plan and support you with workplace adjustments, including how to get support from your employer.

• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): 0800 58 58 58 

CALM provide a helpline for men in the UK who are down or have hit a wall, who need to talk or find information and support. The helpline is open 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. They also offer a webchat service between the same hours.

• Prevention of Young Suicide (Papyrus): 0800 068 41 41

Papyrus provides confidential help and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person. Their HOPELineUK service is staffed by trained professionals who give non-judgemental support, practical advice and information to; children, teenagers and people up to the age of 35. They can be contacted on 0800 068 41 41, by email: pat@papyrus-uk.org or SMS 07786 209697.

• Mates in Mind: Text "BEAMATE" to 85258

Mates in Mind partner with Shout to offer a free and confidential mental health support service 24/7 to anyone in distress for free

Every conversation, every shared resource, and every moment of compassion helps build a community where no one feels alone.